Juvenile Probation Officer Trainee: Court & Community Impact

Job Posting:

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Supreme Court - Agency 5

Norfolk, NE

$20.608

JR Probation Officer Trainee (Juvenile) (Open)

07-29-2026

The (Judicial Branch) does not sponsor STEM (form i-983) or non‑immigrant work visas for this position.

In a close‑supervised, one‑year training program, the Trainee will gain experience in investigation, supervision, and case management of juvenile and adult offenders. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, preparing investigation reports, supervising offenders, conducting intake and detention interviews, testifying in court, performing drug and alcohol testing, and operating electronic monitoring equipment.

In‑office only. 602 Iron Horse Drive, Norfolk, NE 68701

• Regular travel within the district for community visits and operational support.
• Occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and workshops.

Core hours Monday–Friday daytime. Occasional on‑call, evening, weekend, and holiday availability required.

• Starting salary: $42,863.87 annually (Hiring Rate).
• Immediate 2.5% pay increase after successful probation completion.
• Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval.
• Post‑probation increase not available to candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate.
• Annual cost‑of‑living adjustments (July
  1) are subject to State Legislature approval.

• Conduct intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and others to gather information and determine environmental factors contributing to delinquent behavior.
• Provide recommendations for sentencing to the court based on case findings and 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 clients on probation to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and manage a caseload; conduct assessments or follow‑ups; provide referrals to community resources.
• Prepare violation reports, compliance reports, and 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.

The above responsibilities represent key areas; specific assignments may vary.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice.

Consideration will be given to candidates receiving their degree within 120 days of application. All educational credits must be from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

• 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 technique
• Modern office procedures and equipment
• Record‑keeping principles
• Document review techniques
• Computers and related software applications

• Conduct home visits
• Interview probationers
• Track probationers’ location(s)
• Utilize probation and protective techniques
• Apply applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Prepare activity reports and update databases
• Operate computers and applicable software applications
• Utilize communication and interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others.

Incumbents may be exposed to environmental threats, odors, dusts, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel. Light work: sustaining up to 20 lb of force occasionally, up to 10 lb frequently, or negligible force continuously.

Comprehensive employment package including salary, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development.

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.