A Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist supervises criminal offenders who have been placed on probation as part of a court sentence. Meets with offenders and families, monitors activities, and checks to see that the terms of the probation are being followed. Arranges social services for the offender such as drug rehab or job training; writes reports and recommendations to the court.
Probation Officer Trainee (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
07-23-2026
Job Description:
•The Judicial Branch does not sponsor STEM (form i-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position. •The Judicial Branch offers: 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 probationers per statute; and managing and maintaining the electronic monitoring equipment.
Location:
2282 East 32 Avenue Columbus, NE 68601 Travel will be required at times to surrounding counties.
Salary and Compensation:
Starting Salary:
$42,86387 annually (Hiring Rate). Immediate Growth • : Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period (if starting at Hiring Rate).
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. Becomes familiar with providing recommendations for sentencing to the court based on case findings. Also be trained on presenting information verbally and in writing before the court and completing intake paperwork. 3. Becomes 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 the 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.
Bachelor's degree in social services, criminal justice or directly related field Consideration will be given to candidates receiving their degree within 120 days of application.
Note:
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered . All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Knowledge Requirements:
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. Document review techniques. Computers and related software applications.
Skill Requirements:
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. Document review techniques. Computers and related software applications.
Physical Requirements:
Incumbents may be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dust, 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. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/ 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. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits 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.
