Probation Officer Trainee

State of Nebraska • Ainsworth, NE

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Probation Officer Trainee is an entry-level position involving job orientation and training under close supervision for one year. Trainees develop the ability to perform investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving 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 electronic monitoring equipment.

The incumbent will primarily work with adults and assist with juvenile intake on a rotating basis. The position is based at 148 West 4th Street, Ainsworth, Nebraska, and involves regular travel within the district for community visits and operational support, plus occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops. Core hours are Monday through Friday during the day; occasional on-call, evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required.

The trainee may be considered for Probation Officer status at hire depending on qualifications, education, experience, and administrative approval, or may obtain that status after successfully completing all trainee requirements. The posted trainee starting salary is $42,863.87 annually. A higher starting rate may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval. A 2.5% increase may be earned after successful completion of the probation period, except for candidates approved to start at or above the Minimum Permanent rate. Future annual cost-of-living adjustments are subject to State Legislature approval.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice for the Probation Officer Trainee position.
• Candidates who will receive their degree within 120 days of application may be considered.
• All 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.
• Skills in making home visits, interviewing probationers, tracking probationers’ locations, using probation and protective techniques, applying applicable laws and regulations, preparing activity reports, updating databases, operating computers and applicable software, and communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisors, the public, and others.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including Light Work exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field and one year of related experience may qualify a candidate for consideration at the Probation Officer level.
• Bilingual ability may qualify for bilingual pay.

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 to the court based on case findings, present information verbally and in writing, and complete intake paperwork.
• Learn to perform risk assessments, determine appropriate supervision levels, recommend incentives or sanctions, and monitor drug screens.
• Meet with probation clients to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and manage caseloads; conduct assessments and follow-ups, help clients meet court requirements, and refer them to community resources.
• Prepare violation and compliance reports, conduct record checks, enter and update client information in relevant systems, and determine which reports to submit to the court.
• Assist with juvenile intake on a rotating basis while primarily working with adults.
• 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
• State-matched retirement contributions of 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
• Funeral and bereavement leave
• Paid training
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
• Opportunity for bilingual pay
• Potential 2.5% pay increase after successful completion of the probation period
• Potential higher starting pay based on education and experience

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level