Job Summary

U.S. Probation / Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice. Incumbents promote community safety, gather information, conduct investigations, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, present recommendations to the court, and supervise and monitor persons under federal supervision.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications Education: Completion of 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, is required. To Qualify for CL-25 ($51,419 - $90,804), the selected candidate must have: One (1) year of specialized experience; Or Completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and an overall "B" grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0. To Qualify for CL-27 ($59,732 - 107,101), the selected candidate must have: Two (2) years of 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. To Qualify for CL-28 ($71,583 - $128,385), the selected candidate must have: Two (2) years of specialized experience; Specialized Experience: 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, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable. Preferred Qualifications Documented experience conducting presentence investigations and preparing presentence reports and/or maintaining a caseload, enforcing court ordered supervision conditions, and implementing supervision strategies. Experience with evidence-based practices a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Superior attention to detail. Ability to organize and prioritize work schedule and work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work under pressure of short deadlines while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. Fluency in a foreign language a plus. Previous community corrections and/or social services experience is preferred for entry level (CL 25) consideration. Physical Requirements The duties of probation and pretrial services officers require 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. Candidates must be physically capable to perform these duties. Maximum Entry Age 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 the Federal 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. Medical Examination, Drug Screening and Background Investigations First time appointees to the position of U.S. Probation Officer must undergo an extensive federal background investigation. Further, prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. (*Regardless of applicable state laws, marijuana remains a prohibited substance under federal law and is included in drug testing.) Upon successful completion and clearance of the medical examination, drug screening, and a preliminary background check (which includes FBI fingerprinting, credit check, and a criminal history/driving record check), the selectee may be appointed provisionally. In addition, as a condition of continued 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, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Employment Suitability Requirements