Justice Programs Supervisor

The Portage County Health & Human Services department is hiring a full-time (40 hrs / wk) Justice Programs Supervisor. This position is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating programs that serve adult and juvenile offenders in order to promote a range of productive and rehabilitative options for use by the criminal justice system.

Pay range starts at $70,435.58 / yr

What are the primary job duties?

Administration

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and programs that support justice program goals and objectives in partnership with local justice system members and stakeholders, including the chair of the Portage County Justice Coalition.
• Reviews policies, procedures, and programs, including program evaluation strategies (measures of effectiveness/results) with stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the Division of Community Corrections to identify needs and alternatives directed toward decreasing length of sentence without significantly increasing risk to the community.
• Collaborate with other Portage County Health and Human Services programs to ensure a continuum of services, avoid duplication of services; to stay abreast of changes in the field of criminal justice treatment and programming, and to ensure county services are coordinated for the greatest efficiency throughout the county.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, state and county staff, volunteers, and the general public.

Supervision & Operations

• Collaborates with partners to develop and deliver best‑practice programs and alternatives for juvenile and adult offenders, aimed at reducing jail bed days and recidivism (i.e. implementation of resources such as community service work, cognitive restructuring, anger management, and educational programming).
• Administers contracts and meets regularly with service providers to review program performance against goals and objectives. Communicates with justice system stakeholders regarding contract status, outcomes, and program implementation.
• Provides direct services to offenders, as needed, to augment and support existing resources and partnerships.
• As a back-up conducts drug and alcohol screenings, including oral swabs, breath alcohol tests, and same-gender observed urinalysis.
• In conjunction with the service providers, develops and implements, a documented system to process program participant recommendations to the court, probation and parole, and Sheriff's Office.
• Educates justice system partners, the Justice Coalition, and community members on implementing new programs, procedures, and initiatives aligned with best practices in preventing criminal activity and reducing recidivism.
• Ensures that all service providers are properly and adequately trained regarding the provision of their responsibilities.

Planning & Development

• Prepares reports documenting program activities, and advises the Portage County Justice Coalition, Judges, Sheriff, and District Attorney of program development, progress, and recidivism rates.
• Maintains financial documentation and timely financial reporting through the ERP system for services rendered by contract agencies.
• Oversees service providers and contracts of the Portage County Adult Drug Treatment Court. Provides guidance, outcome measurements, and evidence-based decision making when needed or requested by Treatment Team members or the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
• Serve as the neutral representative on the Drug Treatment Court Eligibility Review Team, complete all final documentation regarding acceptance or denial into the program, and ensure all records are stored securely and confidentially.
• Serve as the liaison between law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, circuit court judges, and other community partners to foster strong collaboration and support for Drug Treatment Court operations and referrals.
• Stays abreast of changes in the field of justice programs regionally, statewide and nationally; researches and recommends/develops leading edge programs as well as assessment tools to track progress and measure justice program outcomes.
• Seeks and prepares grant applications to obtain outside program funding where appropriate. Completes accurate quarterly grant reports to granting agencies.
• Serves as the assistant to the Justice Coalition Chair and creates agendas, takes notes, and creates minutes per county guidelines for the Justice Coalition Executive committee, Justice Coalition Committee and Drug Treatment Court Oversight Committee.

Office & Personnel Management

• Prepares requests for proposals (RFPs) and facilitates proposal/provider reviews to ensure the selection of qualified and trained providers of program services, working within the Purchasing Ordinance. Directs that program policies and procedures are developed and detailed in writing, including all offender rules.
• Manages and monitors contracts between the County and service providers to ensure that contract standards are being met.
• Handles and reviews offender complaints regarding program services and may testify in court regarding case specifics.
• In conjunction with the Management team, develops and monitors section budget including regularly monitoring all expenditures and revenues.
• Promotes justice programs through appropriate personal appearances, community education, and use of the news media.

Supervision

• Supervises all Justice Program staff.
• Recommends hiring and termination of staff, per human resources policies.
• Recommends necessary disciplinary action for staff.
• Conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings with staff to review workload, performance, case status, and professional development goals.
• Monitor staff adherence to program policies, procedures, best‑practice standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Oversee staff documentation practices, including case notes, CORE data entry, and reporting accuracy.
• Review and approve staff work products such as assessments, case plans, progress reports, and court‑related materials.
• Provide guidance on complex cases, behavioral response decisions, and application of incentives and sanctions.
• Ensure staff follow evidence‑based practices, including trauma‑informed approaches, motivational interviewing techniques, and fidelity to program models.
• Lead team meetings, case staffing sessions, and interdisciplinary coordination efforts with justice partners.
• Assign and prioritize tasks to ensure balanced caseloads and effective program operations.
• Ensure staff compliance with grant expectations, data requirements, and reporting timelines.

What are the minimum requirements?

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, planning, or a closely related field such as social work, human services or counseling. Master's Degree in the field of criminal justice preferred.
• Five years of experience in a criminal justice setting preferred.
• Three years of experience in work direction or staff supervision strongly preferred.
• Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) preferred, though not required.
• Applied experience in offender programming, and risk and need assessment required.
• Experience in program development and management, and in conducting upper-level administrative duties normally associated with a senior level position preferred.
• Any education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities of the position.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to an insured vehicle.

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 7.2%!
• 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