Program Specialist (Research and Data)

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Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $37.008 Job Posting: JR2026-00029174 Program Specialist (Research and Data) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 09-23-2026 Job Description: ** The (Judicial Branch) does not sponsor STEM (form i-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position. ** The Judicial Branch offers: Health & Wellness 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, available to purchase Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Financial Security 156% state-matched of the first 4.8% contribution to retirement plan FREE $20,000 Life Insurance Policy Optional Life Insurance and AD&D available to purchase Paid Time Off & Leave 13 paid holidays annually Paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately Military leave and Funeral/Bereavement leave Professional Growth Paid training to develop your skills Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education Opportunity for bilingual pay Job Description 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: 521 S. 14th St, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 Salary and Compensation:   Starting Salary:  $76,977.40 annually (Hiring Rate). Immediate Growth*:  Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period (if starting at Hiring Rate). Starting Rate Flexibility:  Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval. * Please Note:  Candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate (at or above the Minimum Permanent rate) are not eligible for the 2.5% post-probation increase . Future Increases:  Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval. 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. Requirements/Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:   Education:  Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related fields, AND Experience:  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. Note: An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered 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 accredit