Staff Training Academy

The Pre-Service program is designed to provide newly hired employees with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to begin their careers in corrections. All individuals employed by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services participate in a comprehensive training program that combines interactive online learning, in-person instruction, and practical, on-the-job experience. 

The Staff Training Academy is dedicated to ensuring that participants acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and professional mindset needed to succeed in the corrections field. Professionals in this field must demonstrate the ability to learn and apply procedures, follow instructions, perform critical tasks, and maintain a high level of professionalism, even in high-pressure situations.

The In-Service program provides annual re-certifications and updates for all employees.  The program is thoroughly reviewed and updated annually, incorporating insights from needs assessments, participant evaluations, and current trends in the corrections field.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform. It provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. It is a subsidiary of LinkedIn. 

First Level Leader

This program challenges team members to evaluate their strengths, maximize their efficiency and intentionally determine their effectiveness. Participants develop a leader mindset, recognize resources and establish a professional development path. During the three-day training, leaders complete the Clifton Strengths Assessment and learn the 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team.

Leadership Academy

This program is an opportunity for NDCS to invest in its most valuable resource: its people! The 40-hour academy engages leaders in applying Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits for Managers, handling difficult conversations, emotional intelligence and how their Strengths Finder Assessment connects to the way they lead. 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a personal development and leadership program that focuses on building effective habits for personal and professional success. The training is designed to help individuals and teams develop the mindset and skillset necessary to achieve long-term goals and navigate challenges with greater purpose and productivity.

Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias is how our brains compensate for information overload.  But bias can also inhibit our performance and can lead to poor decision-making.  In this course you will:

• Identify Bias where it shows in in our own thinking and in our workplaces.
• Cultivate Connection with those around us to expand our understanding and improve our decision-making.
• Choose Courage as we engage with care and boldness in addressing biases that limit people and constrain performance.

Five Levels of Leadership

John Maxwell's Five Levels of Leadership is a framework that outlines the stages of leadership development, from the foundational level of position to the highest level of leadership influence.  These levels build upon each other, with each level representing a deeper level of leadership influence and responsibility. The progression through these levels requires growth in both personal leadership and the ability to empower others.

360 Leader

John Maxwell’s 360° Leader concept is a leadership framework designed to guide individuals in leadership roles on how to lead effectively from any position within an organization, not just from the top. The idea is that leadership is not about position or title, but about influence, and that leaders can influence those above, below, and alongside them.  It encourages leaders to take responsibility for their growth, relationships, and contributions at all levels of the organization.