Probation Officer Trainee- Juvenile

Probation Officer Trainee – Juvenile

Location:

Gering, NE

This entry‑level position involves job orientation and training under close supervision for one year, allowing the trainee to gain experience and develop the necessary skills. Incumbents are trained in investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders, and will perform duties such as managing a caseload, preparing investigation reports, supervising offenders, conducting intake and detention interviews, testifying in courts, performing drug and alcohol testing, arresting or detaining defenders under directions, and operating electronic monitoring equipment.

• Starting Salary: $42,863.87 annually.
• Immediate Growth:
  Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period.
• Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval.
• Annual cost‑of‑living adjustments (applied on July
  1) are subject to state legislature approval.

Primarily day shift with occasional nights, weekends, and holidays. Travel may be required at times.

• Familiarize with pre‑sentence/pre‑disposition investigations for adults and juveniles, 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.
• Perform risk assessments to determine proper supervision level, recommend incentives or sanctions, and monitor drug screens.
• Meet with probation clients to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and perform related functions of caseload management; conduct assessments or follow‑ups; provide referrals to community resources.
• Prepare violation reports, compliance reports, and conduct record checks; enter and update client information in appropriate systems; determine reports to be sent to the court.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice (or equivalent). All educational credits must be from an accredited institution.
• Consideration given to candidates who receive their degree within 120 days of application.

• 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 and related software applications.

• Making home visits.
• Interviewing probationers.
• Tracking probationers’ locations.
• Utilizing probation and protective techniques.
• Applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Preparing activity reports and updating databases.
• Operating computers and software.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others.

May be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dusts, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel. Light work: can exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly to move objects.

• 79% employer‑paid health and prescription insurance.
• Dental and vision plans available to purchase.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability available to purchase.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• 156% state‑matched of first 4.8% contribution to retirement plan.
• $20,000 life insurance policy, plus optional life and AD&D.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and funeral/bereavement leave.
• Paid training and continuing education credits.
• Opportunity for bilingual pay.

The State of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.