Probation Officer Trainee

State of Nebraska; Gering (NE); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health SAV

State retirement match 156% of first 4

Free $20,000 life insurance policy

Life Insurance and AD&D available

Paid time off and holidays (13 per yr)

Paid vacation and sick leave from day

Job summary

State of Nebraska is hiring a Probation Officer Trainee in Gering, NE. This entry-level role offers one-year supervised training to gain experience in investigation, offender supervision, and reporting.

Duties include intake, court testimony, and drug testing under guidance. The position is in-office at 1740 10 Street, Gering, NE 69341, with travel within the district and occasional regional travel for training and workshops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in social services or criminal justice.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, laws, court procedures, and interview practices.
• Skills in interviewing probationers, tracking locations, and documenting assessments.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention techniques and basic office procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform intake and assessment interviews with offenders, families, and others to gather information.
• Provide recommendations for sentencing basis and present information to the court.
• Conduct risk assessments to determine supervision levels and monitor drug screens.
• supervise offenders, manage caseloads, and maintain case reporting and records.
• Enter and update client information in appropriate systems and prepare reports for the court.

Skills

Customer service

Criminal justice knowledge

Interviewing probationers

Risk assessment awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5 Location: Gering, NE Hiring Rate: $20.608

Probation Officer Trainee (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 10-29-2026

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

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 of the first 4.8% contribution 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 your skills
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education Opportunity for bilingual pay

Job Description

This entry level position involves job orientation and training under close supervision for a period of one year to afford the trainee an opportunity to gain experience and develop ability. Incumbents of this classification are trained in performing investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders, under direct supervision for an assigned district. Additional Training includes managing a caseload; preparing investigation reports; supervising offenders; conducting intake and detention interviews; testifying in courts; performing drug and alcohol testing; arresting or detaining defenders under directions; and managing and maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment.

Location: In-Office only. 1740 10 Street Gering, NE 69341

Travel Expectations: Regular travel within the district to conduct community visits and support operations as part of our commitment to active community supervision. Occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops.

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

Salary and Compensation

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

Immediate Growth*: Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period.

Starting Rate Flexibility: Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval.

*Please Note: Candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate (at or above the Minimum Permanent rate) are not eligible for the 2.5% post-probation increase.

Future Increases: Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval.

Job Duties

1. 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 on the individual and determine environmental factors that led to delinquent behaviors.
2. Become familiar with providing recommendations for sentencing to the court based on case findings. Also be trained in presenting information verbally and in writing before the court and completing Intake paperwork.
3. Become familiar with performing risk assessments to determine proper supervision level of client; recommending incentives and/or sanctions based on assessment; monitoring drug screens.
4. Introduced and trained on meeting with clients on probation in order to provide counseling, complete case reporting, and other related functions of managing a caseload. This includes conducting assessments or follow-ups; providing direction to help clients accomplish court requirements; providing referrals to community resources including food, shelter, and work.
5. Introduced and trained on preparing violation reports, compliance reports and conducting record checks; Training also includes entering and updating client information into appropriate systems; determining reports to send to the court for updates.
6. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. The above classification responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Requirements / 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 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 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. 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

Benefits Overview

Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!