Summary
The U.S. Pretrial Services & Probation Officer serves in a judiciary law enforcement position. Officers encourage long term positive change for the individuals they serve by fairly administering justice and providing investigative and supervision services while protecting the community. Multiple positions may be filled.
Duties
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conducts investigations, prepares reports, investigates offenses, investigates clients background for sentencing.
- Interviews persons under supervision and their families, investigating the offense of conviction, prior record, and financial status of defendants. Other contacts may include the home, community, employers, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of crimes, and other civic or community agencies.
- Interprets and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and relevant case law to make recommendations on sentencing.
- Monitor and supervise defendants and persons under federal supervision, enforces court conditions, and provides treatment opportunities for positive lifestyle changes.
- Addresses persons under supervision adherence with the conditions of supervision, the reduction of risk to the community, and correctional treatment.
- Maintains personal contact with persons under supervision through contacts in the office and in the community; investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle and associates to assess risk and compliance.
- Responsible for detection of substance abuse, assessment, and counseling and addressing those areas of concern.
- Investigates violations of the conditions of supervision and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions.
- Prepares fact-based reports for the court or parole authorities, which may include interpretation of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines, making recommendations for disposition; and testifying at court and parole hearing. Interacts with organizations such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, military parole authorities, and attorneys concerning client supervision conditions.
- Travel within and outside the district/state may be required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Conditions of Employment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE:
The duties of probation officers require investigating and supervising persons under federal supervision who present physical danger to officers and to the public. Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable to do field work and possess a valid driver's license. First-time appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment.
Conditions of Employment:
- Applicants must be U. S. citizens or eligible to work without restriction in the United States.
- Selected candidate must successfully complete an FBI background investigation with law enforcement agencies including fingerprint, criminal, financial and employment records check.
- Employment is considered provisional until the background check is successfully completed.
- Employees of the federal judiciary must adhere to all Judicial Conference regulations, follow the policies in the Guide to Judicial Policy, and are bound by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
- Employees are considered "At-Will" employees.
- Employees are required to use direct deposit for payroll.
- The organization reserves the right to assign/reassign and employee to any location within the District based on the needs of the organization.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS, DRUG SCREENING AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a complete background investigation, medical examination, and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the court.
In addition, as conditions of employment, employees are subject to on-going random drug screening and updated background investigations every five years and, as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations.
The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officer assistants and probation officers are available for public review at https://www.uscourts.gov/.
Qualifications
Qualifications (Must be met at the time of application)
Minimum:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major in a field of academic study which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position is required.
- An advanced degree is preferred.
Specialized Experience:
- Applicant must have at least one year of specialized experience, which is defined as progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor's degree in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment.
- (Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer does not qualify as specialized experience.)
Education
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major in a field of academic study which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position is required.
- An advanced degree is preferred.
Educational Substitutions:
- Completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements may be substituted for one year of specialized experience at the CL25 level:
- An overall "B" grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0;
- Standing in the upper third of the class;
- "3.5" average or better in the major field of study, such as business or public administration, human resources management, industrial relations, or psychology;
- Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma XI, or one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies; or
- Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please read the "Next steps" section for more information.
- Cover Letter addressing skills and experience (Include VA 22-44 in Subject of Email);
- Resume;
- Three professional references with contact information;
- Copy of college transcripts;
- Copy of recent performance evaluation; and
- Application for Federal Judicial Employment found at https://www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/careers.
**Due to the high sensitivity of this position the Optional Background Questions (18-20) on the AO 78 form must be answered. **
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants must submit ONE PDF document containing below required documents to: Apply@OHND.uscourts.gov.
Next steps
Applicants will be evaluated and the most qualified will be invited for a personal interview.
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