Justice Program Specialist

The Portage County Justice Programs department is hiring a full-time Justice Program Specialist - Treatment Court & Lead The Justice Program Specialist position acts as the Drug Treatment Court case manager and plays a key role in supporting individuals participating in the Portage County Adult Drug Treatment Court Program.

2026 pay starts at $24.71 / hr, plus $.070 / hr as a Lead

** Deadline to apply is by 4:30 pm on Monday, December 22nd

What are the primary job duties?

Complete Referral Process for Potential Participants

• Conduct face-to-face intakes and complete evidence-based risk/needs assessments (e.g., COMPAS, ORAS, etc.). Administer assessments in person (including jail).
• Complete all required acceptance or denial reports.
• Accurately document all findings in CORE and other required tracking systems.
• Present findings to the Treatment Court team.

Provide Case Management of Participants

• Provide orientation to new participants while identifying individual needs which may include medical, psychological, vocational, social, family and daily living (capital recovery).
• Conduct regular meetings with participants to discuss progress within the program, including home visits.
• Prepare weekly court roster for staffing and meets with each participant as outlined in their phase requirements.
• Complete required assessments and support in development of integrated case planning.
• Coordinate completion of substance abuse assessment/s.
• Coordinate all participant's activities from the time of assessment/screening to termination/graduation within the Portage County Treatment Court.
• Gather information from other agencies regarding client participation.
• Coordinate and ensure confirmation of insurance, collection of all drug and alcohol testing samples and report drug testing results to the team.
• Monitor participant fees.
• Create and maintain participant case files and case plans to ensure participants are complying with treatment recommendations.
• Provide referral information to participants as needed using well developed personal network of community treatment providers, educational classes, and stakeholders.
• Assist participants with exploration of funding sources for treatment and other programming.
• Conduct alcohol and drug testing oral swabs, alcohol breath tests and same gender observed urinalysis.

General Drug Treatment Court Duties

• Create up-to-date reports to present to the Treatment Team at weekly meetings and recommend participant's incentives/sanctions based on their progress.
• Develop and maintain community resources needed to implement and enhance goals and objectives; increase community awareness of the program and aid in developing community partnerships.
• Print sanctions history in preparation of Termination proceeding, attends all termination hearings, may be required to testify, and updates the Treatment Court team.
• Schedule graduations and graduation speakers; create graduation portfolios in conjunction with the Treatment Court Judge and Program Director.
• Oversee graduation process regarding client eligibility, scheduling, and attending exit interviews, etc.
• Take lead in weekly status review hearings and court reviews; provide weekly progress summaries to include phase moves, treatment notes, home visits, and sanctions.
• Documents detailed and accurate information in CORE and other required case management systems.
• Facilitates groups including cognitive behavioral groups, social skills groups, or other approved group interventions.
• Maintain accurate data from several collection points and computer programs.
• Use discretion with participants; observe rules of confidentiality and maintain non-judgmental attitude.

Administration of Pretrial Assessments

• Administer multiple pretrial assessments.
• Prepare written reports to the Court on assessment recommendations.
• May have to attend Court hearings.

Lead Duties

• Provides direction and training for Justice Program Specialists.
• Assists in auditing case files.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures.

What are the minimum qualifications of the position?

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Counseling, Behavioral Science (i.e. Psychology Sociology, etc) or a related field of study 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.
• Must be a licensed driver, have access to an insured vehicle for work related travel, and possess a good driving record.

Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

• Vacation - available on day one
• Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings