Assistant Probation Officer

About the Role

This classification level is responsible for assisting in performing supervision, case planning and/or monitoring of offenders at high risk to reoffend, including recreational, home, educational, treatment and community activities. Responsibilities may include assisting in performing interviews for preparation of investigative reports, performing curfew checks, drug testing and assessments, and assisting offenders in retaining employment under the direct supervision of the Chief Probation Officer or designee.

Location & Schedule

• 602 Iron Horse Drive, Norfolk, NE 68701
• Travel may be required at times
• Core hours are Monday–Friday daytime; some non-traditional hours may be required as part of 24/7 commitment to community safety

Compensation

• Starting Salary: $42,863.87 annually (Hiring Rate: $20.608/hour)
• Immediate Growth: 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing probation period when starting at Hiring Rate
• Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval (candidates approved above Hiring Rate are not eligible for 2.5% post-probation increase)
• Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) subject to State Legislature approval

Job Duties

• Meets, interviews, and confers with probationers through home visits and office meetings; monitors and documents progress
• Assists in monitoring offenders through electronic/GPS monitoring under direction of a Probation Officer to ensure compliance with court regulations
• Assists with pre-sentence investigations and evaluations of candidates being considered for probation
• Prepares, updates, and submits a variety of reports and/or databases including progress updates, court appearance paperwork, home-visit logs, and location reports
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree or 63 hours of course work from a four-year college in a related field
• Or 2 years of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles, practices, and procedures of probation services
• Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures
• Rules, regulations, and procedures of the department
• Probation techniques and procedures
• Report writing
• Interviewing techniques
• Tracking technologies

Skills in:

• 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 as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Physical Requirements

Incumbents may be subject to travel. 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. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Benefits

The Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health & Wellness: 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance; dental and vision insurance plans available; short-term and long-term disability available; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Financial Security: 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
• Paid Time Off: 13 paid holidays annually; paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately; military leave and funeral/bereavement leave
• Professional Growth: Paid training; free continuing education credits; access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education; opportunity for bilingual pay