Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by any probation support staff employee in the Nebraska Judicial System. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations. 

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by any county court staff (non- supervisory) in the Nebraska Judicial System. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations.

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by a Probation Officer. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations.

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by a County Court Clerk Magistrate. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations.

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by an administrative employee (i.e., State Court Administrative, State Probation Administrative or Appellate Office employee, etc.) in the Nebraska Judicial System. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations. Nominees in this category may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Demonstrate exemplary leadership, providing a sense of purpose, vision and mission for their co-workers and/or staff.
• Positively influence others to build consensus around departmental or organizational objectives.
• Manage and lead change initiatives smoothly and effectively.
• Achieve sustainable results.
• Invest time and effort in coaching and/or mentoring.

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by a probation supervisor. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations. Nominees in this category may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Demonstrate exemplary leadership, providing a sense of purpose, vision and mission for their co-workers and/or staff.
• Positively influence others to build consensus around departmental or organizational objectives.
• Manage and lead change initiatives smoothly and effectively.
• Achieve sustainable results.
• Invest time and effort in coaching and/or mentoring

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by a county court supervisor. The employee’s accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations. Nominees in this category may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Demonstrate exemplary leadership, providing a sense of purpose, vision and mission for their co-workers and/or staff.
• Positively influence others to build consensus around departmental or organizational objectives.
• Manage and lead change initiatives smoothly and effectively.
• Achieve sustainable results.
• Invest time and effort in coaching and/or mentoring.

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by a clerk of a district court. The clerk's accomplishments or suggestions can be exhibited either through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance and dedication over at least a one-year period, or through an exceptional task. The accomplishments must be beyond normal expectations. Nominees in this category may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Demonstrate exemplary leadership, providing a sense of purpose, vision and mission for their co-workers and/or staff.
• Positively influence others to build consensus around departmental or organizational objectives.
• Manage and lead change initiatives smoothly and effectively.
• Achieve sustainable results.
• Invest time and effort in coaching and/or mentoring

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: In addition to meeting the general criteria, nominated employees will be recognized annually for implementing creative and effective programs that improve customer service to external and/or internal court/probation customers. The employee’s individual skills in providing excellent customer service will also be considered. Examples of characteristics of individuals nominated in the category are:

• Maintain a consistently high quality of service to external and internal customers.
• Anticipate clients' needs and potential problems.
• Serve as role models to others through positive interactions.
• Demonstrate a willingness to fill in whenever needed and always perform at a high level

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: In addition to meeting the general criteria, nominees for the innovation award will be evaluated on a second set of criteria that specifically evaluates the contribution of effectiveness, efficiency, or economy to the Nebraska Judicial System operations. The set of criteria may include:

• Cost effectiveness of the suggestion, especially as it will relate to the entire Judicial System.
• Administrative improvements which enhance the delivery of services.
• Enhancement of morale or working conditions within the Branch.
• Suggested improvements, which relate to the quality of justice.
• Elimination of duplicative or non-essential procedures, paperwork, and programs

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: In addition to meeting the general criteria, nominated employees will be evaluated for exceptional efforts to promote diversity within the Judicial Branch. Considerations for this category may include:

• Foster awareness, continuous education and communication efforts to showcase diversity initiatives.
• Exhibit disciplined efforts to learn, talk about and measure impacts of diversity.
• Establishment of programs or policies that reflect the importance of workplace diversity.
• Promote an inclusive, high-performing culture where all team members embrace each others' talents and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate an ability to educate others on how to build diverse people skills.
• Show an openness to learn about the differences and to express respect and appreciation of differences

Cash award: $250

Eligibility: This category recognizes exemplary performance by a team in any judicial office in the Nebraska Judicial System. The team’s accomplishments may be exhibited through a sustained work and productivity record of exceptional efficiency and superior performance. Members of the outstanding team should:

• Participate in collaborative problem-solving.
• Break down boundaries and/or create new relationships to improve work processes.

Promote a work environment that is collegial, supportive, and characterized by positive morale.
Cash award: $100/member of team, up to 10 members. If team consists of more than 10 members, the team will split equally a cash award of $1,000.

Eligibility: In addition to meeting the general criteria below, one employee will be recognized annually for performance, professionalism, loyalty and other accomplishments that exemplify the values and professional standards of the Judicial Branch in daily work. An individual nominated for the Employee of the Year award should demonstrate many of the following characteristics:

• Approach problems as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Take a proactive and innovative approach toward finding solutions to business and workplace challenges.
• Take the initiative to improve the value and efficiency of the services he/she provides.
• Take initiative to solve problems and improve work situations without being prompted.
• Is reliable, persevering and results-oriented.
• Consistently goes above and beyond.

Cash award: $500