Program Specialist (Research and Data)
State of Nebraska

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Supreme Court - Agency 5

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$36.417

Job Posting:
JR2026-00024346 Program Specialist (Research and Data) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
03-27-2026

Job Description:
The Judicial Branch is a state-funded Branch of Government that offers:
• medical/dental/vision
• $20,000 free basic life insurance
• state-matched 156% retirement plan
• 13 paid holidays
• earned paid vacation and sick leave
• and more

The Administrative Office of the Courts is taking applications for a Research and Data Specialist. This is a highly responsible technical assistance position reporting to the Director of Research and Data. This classification level is responsible for coordinating focused components of statewide juvenile and adult justice programming, domestic violence, behavioral health, Interstate Compact and Interdistrict Transfer, mediation, court services and/or court improvement program etc. Responsibilities may include researching, analyzing, developing, and making recommendations on juvenile and adult justice, mediation and restorative justice, other court services, and child welfare services, programs, strategies and policies; evaluating all incoming and outgoing juvenile and adult interstate compact transfer cases for approval or denying request based on requirements; review and approval of Parenting Act mediators; review and development of continuing education events; identifying youth/adolescents/emerging adult/adult issues and providing internal and/or community education; evaluating court services in order to improve current operations or implement new initiatives; performing research, analysis for policy and program development; making recommendations concerning issues tracking legislation on concerning issues and making recommendations; developing and monitoring grants; and serving as Administration's liaison on state juvenile and adult justice initiatives.

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Salary: $75,746.52 per year

Job Duties

1. Develops, researches, and analyzes policy on juvenile and adult Justice issues including but not limited to restorative justice mediation and other court services; recommends innovative strategies concerning access to services, disposition options and probation practices, related to Juvenile/Adult and Restorative Justice.

2. Provides oversight for one or more evaluation, pilot projects, or grants involving juvenile and/or adult programs and services that may include the management of sex offenders/youth who sexually harm, domestic violence offenders, children of domestic violence, victim services, behavioral health services, reporting centers, mediation center, court services and other contractual services.

3. Provides internal and external training and education on key projects and data trends involving emerging issues surrounding court/probation initiatives, restorative justice mediation and other court services, and effective rehabilitation strategies and service delivery.

4. Conducts data analysis, develops empirical research objectives, evaluation questions, sampling strategies, logic models, and testing criteria.

5. Maintains appropriate documentation which supports compliance with federal, state, and local laws; collects and monitors data outcomes; prepares reports, as necessary, and oversees program evaluation.

6. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

The above classification responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

The Judicial Branch values our employees as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We recruit, hire, train and promote in all job qualifications at all levels without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or genetics. The Judicial Branch complies with Veterans Preference Laws.

Requirements/ Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related fields and 2 years of related program management experience or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in social/behavioral sciences or related field and at least one-year relevant experience or Master's Degree with five years' experience supervising multiple programs and projects.

All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Salary: $75,746.52 per year

Knowledge

• Applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, programs, and services within the justice system.
  
• Case management practices, community resources, and service delivery systems for juvenile and adult populations.
  
• Risk assessment principles, intake processes, and evidence-based supervision practices.
  
• Strategic planning, program development, behavioral health systems, and continuous quality improvement methodologies.
  
• Justice system processes, including legal proceedings and organizational structures across courts, probation, and related agencies.
  
• Research design, advanced statistical methods, and quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
  
• Data governance principles, including data quality, integrity, security, and standardization.
  
• Business intelligence, data analytics, and reporting platforms (e.g., Power BI, IBM Cognos Analytics).
  
• Performance measurement, program evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
  
• Government operations, including legislative and administrative processes impacting program and policy development.
  
• Computer systems and software applications relevant to data analysis, reporting, and program operations.
  

Skills

• Prioritizing, assigning, and managing work across multiple projects and deadlines.
  
• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, and standards to program and operational decisions.
  
• Planning, coordinating, and monitoring complex projects and resource development efforts.
  
• Consulting and collaborating with courts, staff, providers, and external stakeholders.
  
• Designing, conducting, and evaluating research, including both independent and collaborative studies.
  
• Analyzing complex data and translating findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
  
• Establishing, implementing, and evaluating performance measures and outcome metrics.
  
• Developing service plans, analyzing assessment tools, and aligning service needs with available resources.
  
• Facilitating meetings, focus groups, and stakeholder discussions to gather input and build consensus.
  
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
  
• Developing and delivering training and technical assistance to staff and partners.
  
• Maintaining records, documentation, and data systems in compliance with standards.
  
• Utilizing computer systems, data tools, and software applications for analysis, reporting, and communication.
  
• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences, including leadership, staff, and the public.
  

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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