Justice Program Specialist – Report

The Portage County Justice Programs department is hiring a full-time Justice Program Specialist – Day Report! The Justice Program Specialist – Day Report provides case management to individuals involved in the justice system, either during pretrial or after sentencing. This role helps clients meet court‑ordered conditions and personal goals such as finding work, accessing healthcare, and receiving treatment or social services.

This position specializes in the Day Report program; however, it also monitors some OWI Pre‑Trial Supervision cases.

This position is a rotating schedule that will include daytime office hours and some early evenings (until 6:00 p.m.) Monday – Friday, and rotating weekend coverage 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Pay starts at $24.71 / hr

• Administration of Pretrial Assessments
  • Conduct face‑to‑face intakes and complete evidence‑based risk/needs assessments (e.g., COMPAS, PSA, ORAS, etc.).
  • Prepare written reports to the Court on assessment recommendations.
  • Attend Court hearings.
• Provide Monitoring/Case Management of Clients
  • Maintain regular contact with clients (face‑to‑face, phone, email, text, etc.).
  • Assess and develop goal‑oriented, individualized case plans and referrals to address criminogenic needs, mental health, substance use, employment, housing, or social support needs.
  • Work to achieve active involvement and participation of court, health‑care providers, and other appropriate community resources in resolving problems.
  • Monitor compliance with bond conditions, including observed drug/alcohol testing, electronic monitoring, and regular check‑ins.
  • Coordinate access to services, monitor cases to ensure that services are provided in an appropriate and timely manner, review progress, report progress to prosecutor and defense counsel, and terminate services when the pretrial period is complete.
  • Work to achieve services and treatment objectives without duplication of effort and with maximum effective use of staff time and available resources.
  • Conduct alcohol and drug testing (oral swabs, breath tests, and same‑gender observed urinalysis).
  • Explain the scope of services available and discuss client’s rights and responsibilities related to those services.
  • Explain consequences of non‑compliance with court orders to participants placed on pretrial supervision, monitor client utilization of services, inform the court, District Attorney’s office, and defense counsel of participant’s adherence to program requirements.
  • Prepare and submit correspondence, reports, and other records as required.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential case documentation and database records.
  • Attend court hearings, testify as needed, collaborate with judges, district attorneys, law enforcement, jail staff and treatment providers.
  • Develop knowledgeable and collaborative relationships with various community service providers.
  • Facilitate groups (cognitive behavioral, social skills, or other approved group interventions).
  • Use discretion with participants; observe confidentiality rules and maintain a non‑judgmental attitude.
• Drug Treatment Court Support
  • Facilitate groups (cognitive behavioral, social skills, or other approved group interventions).
  • Conduct alcohol and drug testing (oral swabs, breath tests, and same‑gender observed urinalysis).
  • Act as an alternative team member on Drug Treatment Court staffing/court in the event the Justice Program Specialist – Treatment Court is not available.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Counseling, Behavioral Science (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, etc.) or a related field is preferred.
• Associate’s degree with a minimum of three years professional experience in human services, corrections, and/or treatment may be considered equivalent.
• Experience working in case management preferred.
• Any combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Vacation – available on day one.
• Health insurance – choose between two plans: a Health Savings Account with a High Deductible Health Plan with county contribution, or a PPO co‑pay plan.
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health‑insurance enrollment – earn up to $600 per year.
• Flexible spending account.
• Dental insurance.
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan – county contribution of 7.2 %.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• Life insurance – premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/week).
• Long‑term disability insurance – premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/week).
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) – paid by the County.
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.