Summary
The United States Probation Office for the Southern District of Mississippi is accepting applications for the position of United States Probation and Pretrial Services Officers. Officers are responsible for a wide variety of duties relating to the investigation and supervision of individuals charged or convicted of federal crimes.
Clarification from the agency
Location is TBD. (Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport, Mississippi); Multiple positions may be filled from this vacancy announcement. Open Until Filled - applications received by 09/29/2023, will receive priority.
Duties
Probation officers conduct the investigation and management of alleged criminal offenders or convicted offenders who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these offenders, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary for officer safety, and use of self-defense tactics. Daily, these officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are suspected or convicted of committing Federal offenses.
Conditions of Employment
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a background investigation, medical examination, and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, 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, incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations every five years and, as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, and may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluation.
The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial officers and officer assistants are available for public review at https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/probation-and-pretrial-services/probation-and-pretrial-officers-and-officer.
Qualifications
At least one-year experience in criminal investigation or supervision preferred. Broad knowledge of criminal justice system. Ability to evaluate and apply statutes and implement regulations. Good knowledge of investigative and supervision techniques. Knowledge or experience of how other judicial processes/procedures relate to his/her position. Skill in counseling offenders to obtain and maintain compliance to the conditions of their release. Skills in oral and written communication. Knowledge and skills in working with judges, attorneys, and other law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of community and potential community resources. Some travel required.
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 or over who have previous federal law enforcement officer experience under 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 federal law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
Education
Completion of a Juris Doctor degree or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, and business or public administration. This provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position and is required for all U. S. Probation Officer positions in the Southern District of Mississippi.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Testing, and Interview are also assessed.
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 a Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment Form AO78 which can be found at https://www.mssp.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities, cover letter, and resume via email (PDF format) to: mssp_jobs@mssp.uscourts.gov listing Vacancy Announcement 23-9 USPO in the subject line. The position is open until filled. Applications received by 09/29/2023, will receive priority.
Next steps
Qualified applicants will be notified for testing. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews and only those interviewed will receive a response. Applicants must travel at their own expense. Relocation expenses are not reimbursable.
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