Employee Spotlight: Neida Sandoval helps crime victims find their voice

For someone whose case is moving through the legal system, even knowing what to expect next can make a difference. Neida Sandoval helps crime victims understand the process and makes sure they have a voice in it.

Sandoval has worked for Douglas County since 2021. She is a bilingual juvenile advocate with the Victim Assistance Unit (VAU), officially known as the Douglas County Victim Assistance Program. The unit is part of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office. Sandoval serves as a link between victims and the prosecutor. She helps victims stay informed about their cases and works to ensure the legal process respects their rights.

“Victims often feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of what to expect,” Sandoval said. “Being able to walk alongside them, help them find their voice, and remind them that they deserve to be heard is truly meaningful.”

Sandoval also values the support she finds among her colleagues. She describes her supervisors as approachable and appreciates the welcoming environment in the office.

“One of the things I enjoy most about working for Douglas County is the people I work with,” she said.

Employee Spotlight: Doretta Johnson brings care and compassion to DCYC

For a young person arriving at the Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC), a first encounter with booking officer Doretta Johnson can offer reassurance during an uncertain moment.

“I feel like that is my opportunity to try and touch their lives at that time,” Johnson said.

Some arrive frightened, unsure of what to expect. Johnson has approximately two hours during intake to make a connection, explain the seriousness of the situation and let them know someone cares.

“I give them the same respect they give me,” she said. “They appreciate it as much as I do.”

Johnson marked 12 years at DCYC on Oct. 28. She can also perform the duties of a juvenile detention technician and juvenile detention specialist.

“I love my job from the kids to my co-workers,” Johnson said.

Her daily responsibilities require careful coordination, from preparing for court appearances to keeping track of scheduled releases and appointments with probation officers and attorneys. She prepares identification wristbands and checks whether anyone turning 18 needs to transfer to corrections. New admissions and emergencies can quickly change the day’s plans.

For Johnson, the most rewarding part of the job is helping youth, their parents, and colleagues. Some young people recognize her from previous stays and are happy to see her.

“They know that I really do care for them and want what is best for them,” she said.

Johnson also values the support she receives at work.

“You can't usually find a job where you have so much love and support from everyone around you,” Johnson said.

Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her miniature poodle, Bella, and her granddaughter, Stella. She loves to meet friends for breakfast and explore Omaha.

“I love my down time because it is so peaceful and quiet,” she said.

One detail that might surprise her colleagues: She used to own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

When it comes to her career, though, Johnson’s feelings are straightforward.

“I absolutely love my job,” she said.

Douglas County shines a green light for veterans

Buildings and landmarks across Douglas County will glow green Nov. 4-11 for Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national initiative honoring veterans and raising awareness of resources available to them and their families.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday recognizing Nov. 4-11 as Operation Green Light. The resolution honors veterans’ service and sacrifices while recognizing their continued contributions to our community.

Confirmed participants will display green lights at the following locations:

• Douglas County Hall of Justice: Nov. 4-11

• Valley City Hall: Nov. 4-11

• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: Nov. 10

• MECA locations, including The RiverFront, CHI Health Center Omaha and Charles Schwab Field Omaha: Nov. 4-11

• Metropolitan Community College: Nov. 4-11

The green lights remind veterans that our community values their service and supports them as they transition to civilian life and beyond.

Learn more on the National Association of Counties website.

Veteran Spotlight: Air Force veteran Michelle Arredondo helps others find their footing after service

Michelle Arredondo spent much of her Air Force career working aboard aircraft. Today, in the Douglas County Veterans Service Office, she helps veterans and their families with a question that can be surprisingly hard to answer: What benefits are available to me?

Arredondo, an assistant county veterans service officer, has worked for Douglas County for about two years. Her favorite part of the job is helping veterans, service members and their families find benefits that can make a difference in their daily lives.

“Sometimes finding information on what is out there can be really difficult, and these benefits can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being and quality of life,” she said.

Arredondo served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 2005 to 2011 as an airborne cryptologic linguist, a role in military intelligence. While stationed overseas, she traveled across Europe and experienced other cultures firsthand. The Air Force also taught her a lesson she still draws on at work: When you need an answer, it helps to know who to ask. Building those relationships takes curiosity and a willingness to ask questions.

Her time in uniform also gave her a perspective on what it means to leave the military. The close bonds of shared service can be hard to replace, she said, and building a life outside the military can mean getting to know yourself all over again.

“The military becomes a significant part of who you are, and it can be tricky to learn who you are outside of that,” she said.

Arredondo sees a common thread among the veterans she’s proud to count herself alongside. The willingness to serve often stays with them long after they leave the military. For her, it shows up in the work she does every day in Douglas County.

Open enrollment is here. This is your annual opportunity to review your current benefit selections, evaluate your family’s health care and financial needs, and take advantage of new and improved benefit options designed to support you throughout the coming year.  

What’s New for the 2027 Plan Year

New High Option Dental Plan: We are expanding our dental coverage options with a new High Option Dental Plan. This tier provides enhanced coverage limits and higher annual maximums, offering greater financial protection for comprehensive dental care.

Employer-Paid $50,000 Basic Life & AD&D Insurance: To deepen our commitment to your peace of mind, Douglas County is now providing all eligible full-time employees with a $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) policy at zero cost to you.

Voluntary Life Insurance via Lincoln Financial Group: Supplemental life insurance remains available for you, your spouse, and your eligible dependents through Lincoln Financial Group. During this enrollment window, guaranteed-issue coverage is available without requiring Evidence of Insurability (EOI).

FSA & Commuter Benefits Transitioning to Omnify Benefits: We are transitioning administration of our Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA) and commuter benefits from WEX to Omnify Benefits. This move ensures faster customer support, streamlined claims processing, and a more intuitive portal.

457 Retirement Savings Flexibility (Pre-Tax or Roth Post-Tax): You now have the choice to contribute to your 457 deferred compensation plan on a pre-tax or post-tax basis:

• • • • Pre-Tax: Contributions reduce your current taxable income; distributions in retirement are taxed as ordinary income.

      • Post-Tax (Roth): Contributions are deducted after taxes; qualified distributions in retirement are completely tax-free.

      • Questions about which option fits your financial goals? Contact Voya Financial Advisors directly at 402-445-2043.

Voluntary Insurance: Don’t forget about the voluntary benefits offered (accident, cancer, critical illness, hospital, short term disability). If you did not enroll last year, you can still enroll, however, you may be subject to an elimination/preexisting period. 

Mandatory Action Items & Deadlines

Open Enrollment Cutoff: All elections, electronic signatures, and documentation must be fully submitted by November 10 at 11:59 p.m. Late submissions cannot be processed, and no changes can be made after this date without a qualifying life event (QLE).

FSA, HSA & Commuter Elections Do Not Roll Over

Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and commuter benefit elections never carry over automatically. To maintain these accounts for 2027, you must log in, input your elected annual contribution, and complete the electronic signature. Unsubmitted drafts will not be processed.

Cash-in-Lieu Re-Enrollment Rules

If you opt out of county health coverage to receive Cash-in-Lieu, you must actively re-enroll for 2027:

• Submit your Cash-in-Lieu election, signed acknowledgment form, and proof of alternate qualifying group coverage by November 10.

• TriCare, VA, and USPS Enrollees: You must provide proof of coverage verification for 2026 now, followed by a second verification submission for 2027 no later than January 5, 2027.

• Default Enrollment Warning: If your Cash-in-Lieu requirements are not completed by November 10, you have until November 20 to provide alternate coverage proof directly to our office. Failure to provide proof by November 20th will result in automatic enrollment in the Douglas County $600 PPO plan (Employee-Only coverage) with corresponding payroll deductions.

Update Beneficiaries & Personal Contact Details 

With the addition of the new $50,000 employer-paid basic life policy, please take two minutes to log into the portal to verify your legal address, emergency contacts, and primary/contingent beneficiary designations.

Who Not to Name as a Beneficiary 

• Minor Children Directly: Insurance companies cannot legally pay death benefits directly to children until they reach 19 (age of majority for Nebraska). Minors cannot directly control or legally receive direct lump-sum life insurance payouts or certain direct funds themselves. If no trust, custodian (such as under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), or adult co-beneficiary is designated, the probate court will freeze or hold the funds under a court-appointed guardianship until the child turns 19.

• Estate: If you name your Estate as the beneficiary (or fail to name one at all, causing it to default to the estate), this will be tied up in probate court. This delays the money getting to your family, eats away at it through legal and administrative fees, and exposes the cash to your creditors.

• Ex-Spouse - if you go through a divorce and forget to update your beneficiary, your 457 and life insurance is legally bound to pay that person even if you are remarried or if you have children.  

• Pets - Animals cannot legally file a claim or own money. 

• Do not rely on a will. Review your beneficiary designations and update contact information annually. 

• Verify you have updated beneficiaries with your 457 and IRA accounts as you can designate someone besides your spouse. 

Download and review the 2027 Benefit Guide to review your options. Log into the Employee Benefits Portal today to make your selections.

Digital Physical Therapy - Sword Thrive

• Sword Thrive is a digital physical therapy program that helps prevent and treat acute, chronic, and post-surgical pain for the lower back, shoulder, neck, hip, knee, elbow, ankle, and wrist.  

• Work with a dedicated physical therapist who will create a program that meets your unique needs. 

• Complete your sessions from the comfort of your home at no cost. 

• Receive real-time feedback and virtual support from your therapist. 

• The free benefit is available to employees and spouses who are enrolled in the Douglas County medical plan. 

• Visit the Sword Health Registration page to sign up! 

Employee Assistance Program

• Provided through CHI Employee Assistance.

• In-person and virtual appointments available. 

• EAP counselors can assist you with a variety of concerns, including: 

  • • Work-related Stress

    • Marital and Family Distress

    • Loss and Grief

    • Anxiety, Depression, or Emotional Stress

    • Addictions

    • Life Changes

    • Legal/Financial Challenges

• Call 402-398-5566 or 888-847-4975.

• Visit the EAP Website for more information. 

Congratulations!

RETIREMENTS

• Patricia Johnson - Corrections

• Katie Lustgarten - District Court

PROMOTIONS

• Nicole Determan - 911 Communications

• Travis Leichleiter - Assessor/Register of Deeds

• Judson West - Clerk of the District Court

• Amber Leahy - Corrections

• Clayton Deloske Buck - Corrections

• Nathan Kelin - County Attorney

• Michael Mcinerney - County Attorney

• Breanna Brewer - Health Center

• Hellen Okwir - Health Center

• Reginald Alexander - Youth Center