Probation Officer Trainee

About the Role

This is an entry-level position involving job orientation and training under close supervision for one year to gain experience and develop ability.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders under direct supervision.
• Manage a caseload.
• Prepare investigation reports.
• Supervise offenders.
• Conduct intake and detention interviews.
• Testify in courts.
• Perform drug and alcohol testing.
• Arrest or detain offenders under direction.
• Manage and maintain electronic monitoring equipment.
• Become familiar with pre-sentence/pre-disposition investigations for adults and juvenile offenders.
• Gather information on individuals and determine environmental factors leading to delinquent behaviors.
• Make recommendations for sentencing to the court based on case findings.
• Present information verbally and in writing before the court.
• Complete Intake paperwork.
• Perform risk assessments to determine proper supervision levels.
• Recommend incentives and/or sanctions based on assessment.
• Monitor drug screens.
• Provide counseling to clients on probation.
• Complete case reporting and other related caseload management functions.
• Conduct assessments or follow-ups.
• Provide direction to help clients accomplish court requirements.
• Provide referrals to community resources.
• Prepare violation reports and compliance reports.
• Conduct record checks.
• Enter and update client information into appropriate systems.
• Determine reports to send to the court for updates.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Location: Gering, NE (In-Office only)
• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday daytime core hours; some non-traditional hours may be required.
• Travel: Regular travel within the district for community visits; occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and workshops.

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