Probation Officer Trainee: Court-Focused

Probation Officer Trainee (Open)

Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5

Location: Hastings, NE

Hiring Rate: $20.608 per hour

Posting : JR

Position Status: Applications no longer accepted (closed) as of 07-23-2026

This entry level position involves job orientation and training under close supervision for a period of one year to afford the trainee an opportunity to gain experience and develop ability. Incumbents of this classification are trained in performing investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders, under direct supervision for an assigned district. Additional training includes managing a caseload; preparing investigation reports; supervising offenders;

conducting intake and detention interviews; testifying in courts; performing drug and alcohol testing; arresting or detaining defendants under directions; and managing and maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment. The position is in‑office only. Travel may be required.

The office’s core hours are Monday–Friday daytime. Some non‑traditional hours may be required as part of a 24/7 commitment to community safety.

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice; consideration given to candidates receiving their degree within 120 days of application; all educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
• Knowledge: Customer service principles; criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures; interview and assessment procedures and practices; 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; computers and related software.
• Skills: 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.
• Physical Requirements: Light Work – exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Incumbents may be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dusts, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

Starting Salary: $42,863.87 annually (Hiring Rate). Immediate growth: 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing probation. Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval. Future increases: annual cost‑of‑living adjustments applied on July 1, subject to State Legislature approval.

Health & Wellness: 79% employer‑paid health and prescription insurance; dental and vision insurance available to purchase; short‑term and long‑term disability available to purchase; employee assistance program for confidential support; flex spending and 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; 13 paid holidays annually; paid vacation and sick leave accrue immediately;

military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.

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.