For all classification levels: Candidate must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 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. In addition to meeting the required education identified above, applicants at each grade level must also have additional education or specialized experience as described below:
Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible experience, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology or mental health. Experience as a police officer, custodial officer, or security officer, other than with any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.
CL 25 - one year of specialized experience
or completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements:
- An overall "B" grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0.
- Standing in the upper third of the class.
- GPA of 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.
CL 27 - two years specialized experience
or completion of a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
CL 28 - Candidate must possess two years specialized experience, including one year as a probation/pretrial services officer in the U.S. courts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Thorough knowledge of the philosophy, theories, and practices in the field of corrections, with knowledge of law, psychology, sociology, and criminology as these disciplines are related to the duties and responsibilities of the correctional profession. Knowledge of how other judicial processes and procedures relate to the officer's roles and responsibilities. Ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively meet deadlines. Proficiency in current technology, computer databases, and computer applications in a Windows based environment. Experience using Westlaw and Lexis. Knowledge of community resources and the understanding and skill to identify additional resources. Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish.
COURT PREFERRED SKILLS
Preference may be given to applicants who can demonstrate the following: Two years specialized experience with an emphasis in case management related to probation, pretrial services and/or parole, or through work as a child protective services investigator, forensic accountant, computer forensics investigator, or any other career involving criminal investigation. This includes preparing presentence reports for the court and/or supervising defendants/persons under supervision. Supervision experience should include knowledge of evidence-based practices in community corrections, including, but not limited to, risk assessment, risk-based supervision, and cognitive behavioral treatment.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The duties of Probation/Pretrial Services officers require the investigation and management of alleged offenders or convicted offenders who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of 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. On a daily basis, 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.
Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate to arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable. Probation officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distant vision in at least one eye and can
read normal size print. Normal hearing ability, with or without a hearing aid, is required. Any severe health problems, such as physical defects, disease, or deformities that constitute employment hazards to the applicant or others, may disqualify an applicant. Examples of health problems that may be disqualifying are untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disabilities of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, or marked speech abnormalities.
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for the position will undergo a 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, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, 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 essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for Probation and Pretrial Services officers and Officer Assistants are available for public review on the USCourts.gov website under
Officer and Officer Assistant Medical Requirements.
TRANSFERRING OFFICERS - U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Officers transferring from another district are not required to undergo a medical examination, drug testing, or have an initial OPM background investigation. However, all applicable standards for the medical and for the background reinvestigation apply. The Chief U.S. Probation Officer may, at their discretion, request drug and/or medical testing be conducted if, through direct observation or objective evidence, finds an officer is unable to perform the essential job functions, as defined in the medical guidelines. Also, at the Chief's discretion, the most recent reinvestigation report completed on behalf of the officer may be examined as part of the recruitment process.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE
First-time appointees to positions covered under the law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 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.