Probation Officer Trainee

About the Role

This is an entry-level position involving job orientation and training under close supervision for a period of one year. The role provides an opportunity to gain experience and develop abilities in performing investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders.

Location

• Grand Island, NE
• 207 North Pine Str, Grand Island, NE 68801

Key Responsibilities

• Undergo training in performing investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders.
• Manage a caseload.
• Prepare investigation reports.
• Supervise offenders.
• Conduct intake and detention interviews.
• Testify in courts.
• Perform drug and alcohol testing.
• Arrest or detain defenders under direction.
• Manage and maintain electronic monitoring equipment.
• Become familiar with pre-sentence/pre-disposition investigations for adults and juvenile offenders, including conducting intake and assessment interviews to gather information.
• Become familiar with providing recommendations for sentencing to the court.
• Be trained in presenting information verbally and in writing before the court and completing Intake paperwork.
• Become familiar with performing risk assessments, recommending incentives and/or sanctions, and monitoring drug screens.
• Be introduced and trained on meeting with clients on probation for counseling, case reporting, and other caseload management functions.
• Provide referrals to community resources.
• Be introduced and trained on preparing violation reports, compliance reports, and conducting record checks.
• Enter and update client information into appropriate systems.
• Determine reports to send to the court for updates.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Travel Expectations

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

Work Schedule

• Office core hours are Monday–Friday daytime.
• Some non-traditional hours may be required due to a 24/7 commitment to community safety.

Salary And Compensation

• Starting Salary: $42,863.87 annually (Hiring Rate).
• A 2.5% pay increase is earned after successfully completing the probation period.
• Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience.
• Candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate are not eligible for the post-probation increase.
• Annual cost-of-living adjustments are subject to State Legislature approval.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Computers and related software applications
• Modern office procedures and equipment
• Electronic monitoring equipment

Qualifications

• 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 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 various forms of abuse, mental health issues, or neglect
• Crisis intervention technique
• Record-keeping principles
• Document review techniques
• Skills:
• Making home visits
• Interviewing probationers
• Tracking probationers’ location(s)
• Utilizing probation and protective techniques
• Applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Preparing activity reports and updating databases
• Operating computers and applicable software applications
• 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, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Incumbents may be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dusts, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

Benefits

• 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)
• 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)
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation and sick leave (begin accruing immediately)
• Military leave and Funeral/Bereavement leave
• Paid training to develop skills
• Free continuing education credits
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
• Opportunity for bilingual pay