Probation Officer Trainee; Juvenile

Probation Officer Trainee (Juvenile)

Location: Fremont and Blair offices.

Hiring Rate: $20,608 per hour

Salary: $42,863.87 annually (with potential increases after probation period)

This entry‑level position involves job orientation and training under close supervision for one year. Trainees learn investigatory and supervisory responsibilities in the assigned district and develop the skills needed for managing offenders.

Incumbents receive training in managing a caseload, preparing investigation reports, supervising offenders, conducting intake and detention interviews, testifying in court, performing drug and alcohol testing, arresting or detaining probationers per statute, and maintaining electronic monitoring equipment.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field.
• Consideration for candidates receiving their degree within 120 days of application.

• Customer service principles
• Criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures
• Interview and assessment procedures and practices
• Intervention policies and procedures
• Signs of various forms of abuse, mental health issues, or neglect
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Modern office procedures and equipment
• Record‑keeping principles
• Document review techniques
• Computers and related software applications

• Making home‑visits
• Interviewing probationers
• Tracking probationers’ locations
• Utilizing probation and protective techniques
• Analyzing complex, ambiguous information and making evidence‑based decisions
• Remaining calm, professional, and effective with distressed or adversarial individuals
• Verbal de‑escalation, conflict resolution, and controlling challenging situations
• Physical intervention, including contact, per training and safety protocols
• Applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Preparing activity reports and updating databases
• Operating computers and applicable software
• Using communication and interpersonal skills with coworkers, supervisors, and the public

Incumbents may be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dust, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel. Light work requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Salary: $42,863.87 annually (starting rate); 2.5% increase after successful probation period if starting at hiring rate.

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

The State of Nebraska values diversity and inclusion. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.