Specialized Populations Officer
Specialized Populations Officer
District #4A
Location: Omaha
(SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUPERVISON (SSAS), POST-RELEASE SUPERVISION (PRS), TRANSITIONAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM (TIP), PROBLEM SOLVING COURT (PSC))
This position is highly professional, flexible, independent and primarily responsible for the supervision of targeted, program-specific, high-risk individuals on probation, post-release supervision and/or involved in a Problem Solving Court under the authority of the Chief Probation Officer.
Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS), Post-Release Supervision (PRS), Transitional Intervention Program (TIP) and Problem Solving Court (PSC) officers develop and provide case management and supervise the activities of probationers, post-release supervision probationers and/or problem solving court participants in the community.
SSAS/PRS/TIP/PSC Officers collaborate with providers and stakeholders important to the success of those involved in their programs and the vision and mission of Nebraska Probation System. Due to the nature of the work, this position requires flexible and individualized work scheduling that is caseload driven. This position has the same statutory authority and responsibilities as a Probation Officer, in addition to the responsibilities described below.
Provides strong case planning, case management and caseload management. Develop a team supervision approach with the individual’s referral source (probation officer who conducted the PSI, navigation officer, problem solving court team, county jail staff, prison caseworker; et al.)
Participates in the treatment process, facilitation of programs and participation in special programming. Assists in the development of relapse prevention plans. Develops needed community resources; creates and maintains partnerships with identified community stakeholders; field work in the form of regular and on-going visits to probationer’s/participant’s home, treatment, school, employment, support group, 12 step, group home, and team meetings. Prepares Presentence Investigations (PSI), post-release supervision plans, problem solving court reports, PSI updates, supervision overviews, alleged probation violation reports and various other types of written correspondence. Exercises the authority to arrest and/or detain probationers/participants as necessary. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of electronic monitoring and/or GPS equipment.
Works a significant number of meaningful non-traditional hours, including weekend or holiday hours. Trains and mentors new officers. Perform other professional duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, criminal justice, or related fields with at least two years of experience providing case management and/or completion of investigations in a human services based program or agency.
All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Demonstrate skills and abilities in establishing, promoting, and maintaining positive working relationships with the court system, other criminal justice agencies, local or regional stakeholders and treatment providers. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the standardized model, cognitive skill building, relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, social learning theory and other appropriate specialized skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to interpret data. Ability to match the probationer’s/participant’s needs to the appropriate treatment modality or service (i.e., substance abuse, mental health, medical, housing, employment and educational services, etc). Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to probation work and functions, problem solving courts and procedures of courts involved. Knowledge of community resources. Proficient in various software programs such as the Nebraska Probation Application for Community Safety (NPACS), Microsoft Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer, NCJIS, CODIS Prelog, Justice and/or others. Strong understanding of social learning theory, criminal thinking, stages of change and the importance of cognitive engagement and use of cognitive behavioral groups in case management.