Probation Officer Trainee
The Probation Officer Trainee position is an entry-level role focused on training and developing skills in offender supervision, investigation, and case management under close supervision. The role involves conducting assessments, preparing reports, supervising offenders, and supporting court processes to promote community safety. This position requires regular travel within the district and occasional on-call availability to fulfill its responsibilities.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Social work.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential client seeks an entry-level Probation Officer Trainee based in Grand Island, NE. This training position provides one year of close-supervision training and hands-on experience in case management, pre-sentence investigations, community supervision, and court-related duties. This public-sector role offers a competitive starting salary, comprehensive benefits, and clear advancement opportunities for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice (or who will complete the degree within 120 days).
What You’ll Do
- Receive structured orientation and one year of supervised on-the-job training.
- Learn to manage a caseload under supervision: intake, assessment, follow-ups, and case reporting.
- Conduct pre-sentence and pre-disposition investigations and prepare written recommendations for the court.
- Perform intake and detention interviews; monitor compliance and drug/alcohol testing.
- Make community and home visits to support offender supervision and public safety.
- Prepare violation and compliance reports, maintain records, and enter case data into electronic systems.
- Assist with electronic monitoring equipment and, when directed, perform arrests or detentions consistent with policy.
- Testify in court and present case findings clearly and professionally.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
- Candidates completing their degree within 120 days of application will be considered.
- All degree credits must be from an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Ability to pass any required background checks and meet physical/medical requirements for public-safety duties.
Preferred Knowledge & Skills
- Familiarity with criminal justice system, court procedures, and interview/assessment techniques.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare clear reports and present findings.
- Basic computer skills and experience with data entry and database systems.
- Ability to apply crisis intervention techniques and to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, or mental health issues.
- Comfort conducting home and community visits and interacting with diverse populations.
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting salary (Hiring Rate): $42,863.87 annually.
- 2.5% pay increase after successful completion of the probationary period (note: candidates approved to start above the hiring rate may not be eligible for this post-probation increase).
- Comprehensive health benefits with high employer contribution, optional dental/vision, and access to FSA/HSA accounts.
- Retirement plan with employer match, life insurance, and disability plan options.
- 13 paid holidays annually, paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately.
- Paid training, continuing education opportunities, and potential bilingual pay.
Work Schedule & Travel
- Core schedule: Monday–Friday daytime hours.
- Occasional on-call, evening, weekend, and holiday availability required.
- Regular travel within the district for community supervision visits; occasional regional travel for training.
Physical Requirements
- This role is classified as Light Work: may require exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and movement during visits.
- Incumbents may be exposed to challenging environments, odors, dust, and varying lighting; travel is required.
Other Important Details
- The role is on-site in Grand Island, NE (117 East 1st, Grand Island).
- The confidential client does not sponsor STEM (Form I-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position.
- If you are currently employed by the confidential client (state agency), follow internal application procedures instead of external application channels.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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