Probation Officer Trainee

The work we do matters!

Probation Officer Trainee (Open) – Supreme Court, Agency 5 – Columbus, NE. Hiring Rate: $20.608 (salary range: $42,863 annually). Job posting .

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance
• Dental and vision insurance available for purchase
• Short‑term and long‑term disability available for purchase
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• 156% state‑matched to first 4.8% of retirement contribution
• FREE $20,000 life insurance policy
• Optional life insurance and AD&D available for purchase
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation and sick leave starting immediately
• Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave
• Paid training, continuing education credits, access to specialized courses, bilingual pay opportunities

• Become familiar with pre‑sentence/pre‑disposition investigations for adults and juveniles, including intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and other stakeholders.
• Provide recommendations for sentencing to the court based on case findings and present information verbally and in writing.
• Perform risk assessments to determine appropriate supervision level, recommend incentives/sanctions, and monitor drug screens.
• Meet with clients on probation to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and manage a caseload, including assessments, follow‑ups, and referrals to community resources.
• Prepare violation reports, compliance reports, conduct record checks, enter and update client information in appropriate systems, and determine reports to submit to the court.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field. Consideration given to candidates who will complete their degree within 120 days of application. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience that enables successful performance will also be considered.
• Knowledge Requirements: Customer service principles; 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; computer applications.
• Skill Requirements: Same as knowledge requirements.
• Physical Requirements: Light work: occasional lifting up to 20lb, frequently up to 10lb, or negligible force continuously. Ability to handle environmental threats, odors, dust, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.