Duties
The Probation Officer works specifically with juveniles and their families and is responsible for case management and supervision activities, which include conducting investigations, comprehensive report writing, completing home, school and curfew checks, Family Group Conferencing (FGC), coordinating supportive and rehabilitation services directly participating in community based alternative activities and educational trips, providing Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) Drop-In supervision (to include meal planning and preparation and some Saturday hours). The Probation Officer monitors the conduct of youth under supervision, participates in case conferences, produces written reports and oral presentations with recommendations to judicial officers and partner stakeholders regarding case progression and service needs; and is a representative on various committees.
Brief Description of the Probation Officer Duties:
- Conducts face-to-face interviews with youth, family and identified individuals active in the maturation of the youth; analyzes youth’s risk to public safety and develops one or more of, but not limited to, the following: Pre-trial reports, Pre-disposition reports, and Post disposition Probation supervision plans/agreements.
- Supervises a diverse caseload in regular and specialized units including BARJ Drop-In Centers.
- May supervise and assist interns, volunteers and para-professionals assigned to the unit.
- Makes an independent evaluation of the youth’s compliance status, adjusts Pre and Post disposition supervision service plans and makes recommendations during various phases consistent with statutes embodied in the D.C. Official Code.
- Exhibits the knowledge and the utilization of community or other identified resources in the discharge of duties and for the benefit of assigned youth.
- Maintains files, records and case related documents (CourtView/TAPS and original hard copies) in a well-organized manner.
- Prepares accurate and proficient reports and makes oral and written presentations of facts, which impact the judicial decision-making process as well as the rehabilitation of the youth and his/her family.
- Conducts home, school and placement visits and monitors court ordered curfews in accordance with the classification of supervision.
- Performs other duties (community activities for youth and families, educational/recreational trips, college tours, etc.) as assigned, consistent with established Division and Branch performance standards.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- A background and/or security investigation is required.
- Fingerprint Screening.
- Probationary period of one (1) year.
- Law enforcement officer retirement provisions observed.
- Child Protection Register Check
First-time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 years or over who have previous law enforcement officer experience under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees' Retirement System and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may have their previous law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
To qualify for this position, the following must be submitted:
1. Resume
2. Completed Vacancy Questionnaire
3. Documentation /Proof of Education (e.g. copy college transcript or degree)
4. Valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License
5. Three (3) professional references
All required documentation must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. One (1) year of experience working in an environment that serves the public and experience working with youths and/or families. Appointee to probation officer’s position must have not passed their 37th birthday in the month of appointment in order to qualify for mandatory law enforcement separation/retirement at age fifty-seven (57). Previous qualifying law enforcement experience under CSRS or FERS may be counted towards eligibility. Applicants must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and access to transportation. You must submit copies of your education: i.e. transcripts or images of your degree, and a copy of your Motor Vehicle Operator's Permit/License, or your application will not be considered.
This announcement will create a roster/list of names for all non-bilingual Superior Court Probation Officer vacancies.
The incumbent should be an enthusiastic and engaged professional who enjoys working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers and lives the DC Courts’ values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.
Please note that authorization for the release of your adult criminal record revealing any convictions and forfeitures, and any criminal cases currently pending before the courts is required. If you are selected for the position a criminal history records check will be conducted.
*Applicants please be advised that your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience and that you meet the basic qualifications or you will not be determined qualified for this position.
Education
To qualify based on education, upload a copy of your college transcript or degree. The transcript must show the name of the college or university, your name, list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking.
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for District of Columbia Courts employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript at time of application to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
This is not a federal position.
The District of Columbia Courts is an independent branch of the District of Columbia Government and is not under the authority of the City Mayor or the D. C. Council. DC Courts' appropriation comes directly from Congress. All DC Courts non-judicial employees receive federal benefits for the following programs: Life Insurance, Retirement Benefits, Health Insurance and Workers Compensation.
Please click on the following for more information about these benefits:
http://www.opm.gov/Insure/health/enrollment/new_employees.asp
The DC Courts leave policy is as follows:
Annual Leave: New full-time employees earn four (4) hours of annual leave biweekly. After three years of service this increases to six (6)hours biweekly, and at 15 years it increases to eight(8)hours biweekly. Most military, federal and District of Columbia government service counts toward the time required to go into the next higher annual leave category. Employees can carry over no more than 240 hours of annual leave into the next leave year.
Sick Leave is used for personal medical needs, care of a family member, or adoption related purposes. Full-time employees earn four(4)hours of sick leave biweekly. This leave can be accrued without limit.
In addition to the federal health plans, the DC Courts offer employees supplemental vision and dental plans as well as a commuter transit benefit subsidy, for a maximum of $150 a month. There are 26 pay periods in the year.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How to Apply
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the vacancy questionnaire. Afterward, click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Next steps
Once your completed application is received, your qualifications will be evaluated to determine your rating. The qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. If testing or a writing test is required qualified candidates will be notified of the date and time of their testing. All applicants will be notified of the outcome.