Probation Officer Trainee

State of Nebraska•North Platte, NE

23h•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position provides one year of orientation and training under close supervision. The trainee develops experience in investigative and supervisory responsibilities involving adult and juvenile offenders, under direct supervision in an assigned district. Training includes managing a caseload; preparing investigation reports; supervising offenders; conducting intake and detention interviews; testifying in court; performing drug and alcohol testing; arresting or detaining offenders under direction; and managing and maintaining electronic monitoring equipment. The position is based at 110 East 3rd Street, North Platte, Nebraska. Regular travel within the district is required for community visits and operational support, with occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops. Core hours are Monday through Friday during the daytime. Occasional on-call, evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required as part of the agency’s community-safety responsibilities. The starting salary is $42,863.87 annually. A 2.5% pay increase may follow successful completion of the probation period, subject to the stated eligibility conditions. Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval. Annual cost-of-living adjustments are subject to State Legislature approval.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice; candidates who will receive their degree within 120 days of application will be considered.
Educational credits must be from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Knowledge of customer service principles; the criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures; interview and assessment practices; intervention policies and procedures; signs of abuse, mental health issues, or neglect; crisis intervention techniques; modern office procedures and equipment; record-keeping principles; document review techniques; and computers and related software.
Skills in making home visits, interviewing probationers, tracking probationers’ locations, using probation and protective techniques, applying applicable laws and regulations, preparing activity reports and updating databases, operating computers and relevant software, and communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisors, the public, and others.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements for Light Work and work in conditions that may include environmental threats, odors, dust, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

Responsibilities

Learn to conduct pre-sentence and pre-disposition investigations for adult and juvenile offenders, including intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and others.
Learn to make sentencing recommendations based on case findings, present information verbally and in writing to the court, and complete intake paperwork.
Learn to conduct risk assessments, determine appropriate supervision levels, recommend incentives or sanctions, and monitor drug screens.
Meet with probation clients to provide counseling, complete case reporting, conduct assessments and follow-ups, help clients meet court requirements, and refer them to community resources such as food, shelter, and employment services.
Prepare violation and compliance reports, conduct record checks, enter and update client information in appropriate systems, and determine which reports to send to the court.
Manage and maintain electronic monitoring equipment as part of training.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.