Probation Officer Trainee

Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5
Location: 1701 Farnam St, Suite 100, Omaha, NE

About the Role

This entry-level position involves a one-year job orientation and training period under close supervision to develop experience and ability. Incumbents are trained in performing investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders, including managing a caseload, preparing investigation reports, supervising offenders, conducting intake and detention interviews, testifying in courts, performing drug and alcohol testing, arresting or detaining offenders under direction, and managing electronic monitoring equipment. Travel may be required at times.

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with various types of pre-sentence/pre-disposition investigations for adults and juvenile offenders, including conducting intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and others to gather information and determine environmental factors leading to delinquent behaviors.
• Train in providing sentencing recommendations to the court based on case findings, presenting information verbally and in writing before the court, and completing intake paperwork.
• Learn to perform risk assessments to determine proper supervision levels, recommend incentives and/or sanctions, and monitor drug screens.
• Be introduced to and trained on meeting with clients on probation to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and manage a caseload, including conducting assessments, providing direction to help clients accomplish court requirements, and making referrals to community resources such as food, shelter, and work.
• Prepare violation reports, compliance reports, and conduct 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 as assigned.

Requirements

• 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. Department of Education.

Knowledge and Skills

• 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 techniques
• Modern office procedures and equipment
• Record-keeping principles and document review techniques
• Computers and related software applications
• Making home visits and interviewing probationers
• Tracking probationers’ locations
• Utilizing probation and protective techniques
• Applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Preparing activity reports and updating databases
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Physical Requirements

• May be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dusts, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and 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.

Pay

Starting Salary: $42,863.87 annually (Hiring Rate: $20.608/hour).

• 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing the probation period (not applicable if starting above the hiring rate).
• Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval.
• Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval.

Schedule

The office’s core hours are Monday–Friday daytime. As part of a 24/7 commitment to community safety, some non-traditional hours may be required.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• 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) for confidential support
• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Financial Security

• 156% state-matched contribution of the first 4.8% to retirement plan
• Free $20,000 life insurance policy
• Optional life insurance and AD&D available to purchase

Paid Time Off & Leave

• 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave

Professional Growth

• Paid training to develop skills
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
• Opportunity for bilingual pay