United States Probation Officer

Full Job Description

The U.S. Probation Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for the position of U.S. Probation Officer Classification 27.

By statute, probation officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity. An incumbent hired at the CL 27 level will be eligible for promotion to the CL 28 level without further competition.

Multiple positions may be hired from this announcement. Knowledge of pretrial, probation, and parole processes and procedures; court processes; and legal terminology.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system including the interrelationships between the federal courts, federal probation, and various law enforcement agencies.

General knowledge of available community resources. Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other similar activities.

Basic knowledge of techniques used in supervising defendants/offenders and basic knowledge of sentencing guidelines and Bail Reform Act. Ability to deal with violent and/or difficult people.

Ability to counsel offenders/defendants in order to maintain compliance with conditions of their release. Ability to follow safety procedures. Ability to discern deception and act accordingly.

Ability to exercise discretion and to work under pressure of short deadlines. Ability to work under pressure of short deadlines and follow detailed instructions accurately.

Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.

Ability to interact and communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with people of diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement and collateral agency personnel at different governmental levels, community service providers, and offenders.

Ability to interview and gather needed information.

To qualify for Classification 27, the incumbent must have had 2 years specialized experience after the attainment of a bachelor's degree, including at least 1 year equivalent to work at the Classification 25 level.

Specialized experience includes 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, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

The duties of probation officer require the investigation and management of alleged criminal defendants or convicted sex offenders, which will subject the incumbent to graphic material.

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.

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.

First-time appointees to positions covered under federal law enforcement retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment.

State or local law enforcement time in service is not creditable. NOTE: Prior to appointment, the candidate considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening.

Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the candidate 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 5 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 United States Probation Officers are available for public review on-line at www.uscourts.gov.

Major Duties:

A United States Probation Officer (USPO) conducts presentence investigation reports, provides sentencing recommendations to the Court, and interprets and applies U. S.

Sentencing guidelines and relevant case law.

A USPO prepares pretrial services bond reports by gathering and verifying background information on defendants charged with federal criminal offenses when they are arrested or summoned to the Court.

Also, utilizes law enforcement automated criminal record systems to obtain and verify information.

The USPO prepares a report to Judge with an assessment of non-appearance and danger to the community; and recommendation regarding the release or detention of the defendant.

A USPO supervises defendants who are released on bond by making regular telephone contacts, home visits, and community contacts as required by the conditions of release and supervision plan.

A USPO supervises defendants/offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions and reduce risk to the community, provides treatment, detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions, conducts preliminary interviews and other investigations as required, and maintains a detailed written record of case activity.

Collect and conduct urine tests on offenders of the same gender and maintain appropriate records.

If bilingual or multilingual, assist officers and non-English speaking offenders, family members, and witnesses in translating speech, documents, and correspondence, as required.

Operate various criminal justice, law enforcement, and probation automated systems. The incumbent will serve as location monitoring backup. Participate in ongoing training and development programs.

Perform other appropriate duties as assigned.