US Probation Officer - Court Services

Full Job Description

The U.S. Probation Officer - Court Services conducts investigations and prepares presentence reports and/or pretrial services reports for U.S. Magistrate Judges and U.S. District Court Judges.

Probation Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice, provide community safety, conduct objective investigations, interact with outside agencies and community members and prepare reports and present recommendations to the court.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferably in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business, or public administration, which provided evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position.

Two years of *specialized experience, including at least one-year equivalent to work at the CL-25; or Completion of a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

*Progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor's 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.

COURT PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.

Proficiency working in automated environments with a significant knowledge of computer programs such as Adobe, Word, Microsoft Word, and Windows as well as other software programs is preferred.

Fluency in Spanish highly desirable. Knowledge of Evidence Based Practices, risk and needs principles, cognitive behavioral therapy programming preferred.

A thorough knowledge of the philosophy, theories, and practices of the correctional field with a knowledge of law, psychology, sociology, and criminology as these disciplines are related to the duties and responsibilities of the correctional profession; a devotion to the principles of public welfare; a knowledge and understanding of both normal and abnormal behavior; unquestioned integrity; maturity of judgement and tact.

Knowledge of the Federal Criminal Code and sentencing procedures; the ability to conduct thorough investigations and make sound evaluations and recommendations; a knowledge of all available community resources and the understanding and skill necessary to use them.

The desire and ability to work harmoniously with others in a total quality team-based organization, and the desire/willingness to collaborate with defendants, community partners and others to reduce recidivism.

Major Duties:

Conducts investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations for release/detention or sentencing of individuals charged or convicted of federal offenses.

Performs thorough and independent investigations of the charges, offense conduct and victim impact and contacts law enforcement agencies and attorneys.

Interviews defendants and their families; summarizes defendants' prior criminal records; investigates personal history, including education, physical and mental health conditions, alcohol and substance abuse history, employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates of defendants to assess and identify mitigating and aggravating sentencing factors, risk and likely future compliance under supervision and the need for correctional treatment, monitoring and counseling, and financial status.

Interviews victim(s) and provides victim impact statements to the Court. Conducts home inspections and collects and verifies background data from various sources.

The purpose of these activities is to gather the information needed to present factual reports to the Court for purposes of sentencing.

Interprets and applies policies and procedures, statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, U.S.

Sentencing Guidelines, and relevant case law and demonstrate thorough knowledge of these sources through accurate calculations and correct selection of sentencing options in the presentence report.

Analyzes and responds to any objections related to the presentence investigation. This may include resolving disputed issues and presenting unresolved issues to the Court for resolution.

Responds to judicial officers' requests for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications.

Serves as a resource to the Court and maintains detailed written records of case activity.

Complies with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and Court confidentiality requirements and consistently demonstrates sound ethics and judgment. Other duties, as directed.