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 interviews, preparing reports, managing caseloads, performing risk assessments, and supporting community safety through active supervision and court-related duties. This position requires in-office presence with some travel within the district and occasional regional training.
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, Judicial Branch (State Government).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Probation Officer Trainee in Lincoln, NE. This in-office, permanent, full-time role provides one year of structured training and ongoing professional development to prepare you for casework, community supervision, and court-related responsibilities. Applicants should hold (or be completing within 120 days) a bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice.
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting Salary (Hiring Rate): $42,863.87 annually.
- 2.5% pay increase after successful completion of probation (note: candidates hired at or above the Minimum Permanent rate are not eligible for the post-probation increase).
- Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience (subject to management approval).
- 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance; dental and vision plans available for purchase.
- Retirement plan with strong state match (156% of the first 4.8% contribution).
- FREE $20,000 life insurance policy; optional additional life and AD&D coverage available.
- Short- and long-term disability options; Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Paid time off: 13 paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately.
- Paid training, free continuing education credits, and access to specialized Judicial Branch education.
- Opportunity for bilingual pay where applicable.
Applications accepted through: 2026-10-08 (subject to change).
What You’ll Do
- Train for one year under close supervision to learn investigatory and supervisory responsibilities for adults and juveniles.
- Manage and develop a caseload; conduct intake and assessment interviews with offenders and families.
- Prepare pre-sentence/pre-disposition investigation reports and provide sentencing recommendations to the court.
- Provide supervised counseling, referrals to community resources (housing, employment, food), and follow-ups to ensure compliance with court orders.
- Monitor compliance via drug and alcohol testing, electronic monitoring equipment, and record checks.
- Prepare violation and compliance reports, maintain case records and enter updates into case management systems.
- Testify in court as required and perform related duties as assigned to support community supervision and public safety.
Location & Schedule
- Work location: In-office only — Lincoln, NE (office address provided by Confidential Client).
- Core hours: Monday–Friday daytime. Some non-traditional hours may be required in support of 24/7 community supervision responsibilities.
- Travel: Regular travel within the district for community visits; occasional regional travel for training and workshops.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social services or criminal justice. Candidates finishing their degree within 120 days of application may be considered.
- All credits must be from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
Knowledge
- Customer service principles and professional ethics.
- Criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures.
- Interview and assessment procedures; intervention policies.
- Signs of abuse, mental health concerns, and crisis intervention techniques.
- Modern office procedures, record-keeping, and relevant software applications.
Skills
- Conducting home and community visits and interviewing probationers.
- Case management, documentation, and using case management systems.
- Monitoring and tracking locations and compliance (including electronic monitoring).
- Effective written and verbal communication for court reports and testimony.
- Applying applicable laws, rules, and supervision techniques.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Work may involve exposure to environmental threats, odors, dust, limited lighting, and constrained workspaces.
- Light work: exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.
- Duties may involve travel and in-person contacts in community settings.
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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