Probation Officer Trainee

State of Nebraska•Grand Island, NE

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position provides orientation and training under close supervision for one year, allowing the trainee to gain experience and develop the ability to perform investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving adult and juvenile 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, arresting or detaining offenders under direction, and managing and maintaining electronic monitoring equipment. The position is based in Grand Island, Nebraska, and requires regular travel within the district for community visits and operational support, as well as occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops. The office’s core hours are Monday through Friday during the day, although some non-traditional hours may be required as part of the 24/7 commitment to community safety. The hiring rate is $42,863.87 annually. A 2.5% pay increase follows successful completion of the probation period, except for candidates approved to start at or above the Minimum Permanent rate. Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval. Annual cost-of-living adjustments on July 1 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 who will receive their degree within 120 days of application.
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 procedures; 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 applications.
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, and operating computers and applicable software.
Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange or convey information with coworkers, supervisors, the public, and others, and to receive work direction.
Ability to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, or a negligible amount constantly.
Ability to work in conditions that may include environmental threats, odors, dust, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

Responsibilities

Become familiar with pre-sentence and pre-disposition investigations for adults and juveniles, including conducting intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and others to gather information and determine environmental factors related to delinquent behavior.
Learn to make sentencing recommendations to the court based on case findings, present information verbally and in writing before the court, and complete intake paperwork.
Learn to perform risk assessments to determine appropriate supervision levels, recommend incentives or sanctions based on assessments, and monitor drug screens.
Meet with clients on probation to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and perform other caseload-management functions, including assessments and follow-ups, helping clients meet court requirements, and referring 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 for updates.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level; specific assignments may vary according to departmental needs.

Benefits

79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance
Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase
Short-term and long-term disability coverage available to purchase
Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
State-matched retirement contributions: 156% match on the first 4.8% contribution
Free $20,000 life insurance policy
Optional life insurance and AD&D coverage available to purchase
13 paid holidays annually
Paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately
Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave
Paid training
Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
Opportunity for bilingual pay
2.5% pay increase after successfully completing the probation period, subject to the stated eligibility conditions
Potential annual cost-of-living adjustments, subject to State Legislature approval