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Hiring Agency:

Correctional Services - Agency 46



Location:

Lincoln, NE, Tecumseh, NE, York, NE



Hiring Rate:

$20.144



Job Posting:

JR2024-00010689 Career Specialist - Lincoln, Tecumseh, and York (Open)



Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
10-29-2024



Job Description:

If you enjoy helping others to identify new opportunities, discover their purpose and set goals, this may be the job for you. Under limited supervision, this position reports to the Education and Career Services Program Manager in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services' (NDCS) Rehabilitative Services Division. The ideal candidate for the Career Specialist position will be familiar with education and career planning and will possess the skills to help others identify their pathway to successful reintegration. Career Specialists will work alongside other members of the Rehabilitative Services team including educators and support staff, as well as have regular interaction with facility leadership, community partners, and the incarcerated population. This Career Specialist posting is for two positions that will provide services to incarcerated individuals in the Lincoln, York, and Tecumseh areas, with the primary service location as the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI), or Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW).


NDCS employs nearly 2,300 team members operating nine institutions, which house approximately 5,200 inmates, statewide. The department's focus includes inmate programming and education, physical and behavioral health care, re-entry services, and community programs, and is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Candidates will model the NDCS values of integrity, respect, compassion, growth, and excellence as we accomplish our mission, "Keep people safe."


• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave (24 days your first year, accruing immediately)
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement
• Meaningful public service -- service with a purpose!
• Numerous training and development opportunities


Information about the Department can be found at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov. For more information call 402-362-8833. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at megan.jones@nebrask.gov.


DUTIES
Specific duties will include: instruct, lead, and facilitate career readiness programs and services for incarcerated individuals at various NDCS facilities; administer recognized career interest inventories, skill evaluation, and other comparable assessments to form individualized plans documenting an individual's pathway to successful reintegration; work closely with NDCS educators to meet the educational needs of Adult Basic Education and Secondary Education through data management; proctor standardized testing to assess the progress of participants; work collaboratively with various internal and external partners to ensure comprehensive and effective program delivery; monitor, track and report participant progress and strategic outcomes of the program in NICaMS and LACES. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to ensure program and participant success. Travel is required to support education and career services at all NDCS facilities.



Requirements / Qualifications




Minimum Qualifications: Coursework or training in social/behavioral sciences, business or public administration, education or related field; or experience in pubic/human services gathering and providing information, interviewing and assessing client needs.



Preferred Qualifications: At least, two years of experience working with the target population; may include work in corrections, parole, probation, or non-profit organizations. Relevant education can supplement experience. Working knowledge of computers and computer software, with regard to data entry, tracking, auditing. Post-secondary coursework. Experience in related areas of work to include career advising, academic advising, motivational interviewing, strengths-based coaching, group facilitation work, etc.



Other: Must have a valid driver's license. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a medical exam and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program to include CPR, first aid, and self-defense tactics.



Knowledge, skills and abilities



Must be able to work well within a team setting as well as autonomously. A problem solver with good oral and written communication skills. Must be open to working with diverse populations and have the ability to guide incarcerated individuals through group instruction and facilitation. Provide career planning and guidance to meet individual and program needs. Must be proficient in computer programs within the Microsoft suite and adaptable to other computer programs such as NICaMS and LACES.






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.



Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.