Probation Officer Trainee

Location: Ainsworth, NE

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Supreme Court - Agency 5

Location

Ainsworth, NE

Hiring Rate

$20.608

Job Posting

JR2026-00029756 Probation Officer Trainee (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

10-23-2026

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

Probation Officer Trainee

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.

Probation Officer

This classification level is responsible for performing investigatory and supervisory responsibilities involving offenders, under general supervision for assigned district.  Responsibilities may include 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.

148 West 4th Street, Ainsworth, NE 69210

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).

Starting Salary: $49,620.34 annually (Hiring Rate).

All positions

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. Becomes 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. 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 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

Minimum 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.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice or directly related field, AND

Experience: 1 year of experience in related field.

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 cod