Probation Officer Trainee (Juvenile)

State of Nebraska•Norfolk, NE

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Judicial Branch is hiring an entry-level Probation Officer Trainee in Norfolk, Nebraska. The position provides one year of orientation and training under close supervision to develop the skills needed to perform investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving juvenile and adult offenders 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; assisting with arrests or detention under direction; and managing electronic monitoring equipment. The role involves gathering information through interviews and assessments, making recommendations to the court, determining appropriate supervision levels, and supporting clients in meeting court requirements. The trainee receives direction and training while learning case management, reporting, court presentation, referrals to community resources, record checks, and the use of relevant information systems. The position is based at 602 Iron Horse Drive, Norfolk, NE 68701. Regular travel within the district is expected for community visits and operational support, with occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops. The office’s core hours are Monday through Friday during the day, though some non-traditional hours may be required as part of the 24/7 commitment to community safety. The stated hiring rate is $20.608 per hour, with a starting annual salary of $42,863.87. A 2.5% pay increase may be awarded after 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. Future cost-of-living adjustments are subject to State Legislature approval. The Judicial Branch does not sponsor STEM (Form I-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice; consideration is given to candidates expected to receive their degree within 120 days of application.
Educational credits must be from an institution accredited by an accreditor 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 travel within the district and occasionally regionally for work-related activities.
Ability to meet the stated light-work physical demands, including occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force and frequently exerting up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability may qualify for bilingual pay.
Education and experience may be considered when determining a higher starting pay rate, subject to management approval.

Responsibilities

Learn to conduct pre-sentence and pre-disposition investigations for adults and juvenile offenders, including intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and others.
Gather information about individuals and environmental factors that contributed to delinquent behaviors.
Learn to make sentencing recommendations to the court based on case findings, present information verbally and in writing, and complete intake paperwork.
Learn to perform risk assessments, determine appropriate client supervision levels, recommend incentives or sanctions, and monitor drug screens.
Meet with probation clients to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and manage caseload-related functions.
Conduct assessments and follow-ups, guide clients in completing 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.
Learn to supervise offenders, conduct intake and detention interviews, testify in court, perform drug and alcohol testing, assist with arrests or detention under direction, and maintain electronic monitoring equipment.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Benefits

79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance.
Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance available to purchase.
Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options.
State-matched retirement contributions equal to 156% of the first 4.8% contribution.
Free $20,000 life insurance policy.
Optional life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance available to purchase.
13 paid holidays annually.
Paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately.
Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.
Paid training to develop skills.
Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications.
Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education.
Opportunity for bilingual pay.