Justice Programs Specialist – Treatment Court & Lead

Application Deadline: 2025-08-08
Job Type: County
Job Description:

The Portage County Justice Programs department is hiring a full-time Justice Programs Specialist – Treatment Court & Lead! This 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.

Pay starts at $24.00 / hr, plus $.070 / hr as a Lead

** 1st review of applicants will begin on Friday, August 1st **

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 Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
Flexible spending account
Dental insurance
State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan – County contribution of 6.95%!
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) – paid by the County
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://www.co.portage.wi.gov/

Deadline Note: 1st review of applications will start on Friday, August 1st