US Probation Officer

Full Job Description

The United States Probation Office for the Western District of Arkansas is currently accepting applications for the position of United States Probation Officer.

The district serves 34 counties located primarily in the western half of the state.

The district is headquartered in Fort Smith, with divisional offices in El Dorado, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, and Texarkana.

The district has two district judges, two senior judges, and three magistrate judges.

The position requires frequent travel within CL-25: Requires one year of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-23 level and completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

CL-27: Requires two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-25 level or completion of a master's degree in field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

CL-28: Requires two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-27.

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 abuse/addiction treatment.

Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable. Major Duties:

Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense when they are arrested or summoned to the court.

Information is gathered through interviews with defendants, arresting authorities, U.S. Attorney's office, family, and community members.

Law enforcement automated criminal records systems are used to obtain and verify information. Drug testing and substance abuse assessments are performed.

Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of flight risk and danger to the community.

A recommendation regarding bail and/or release or detention of the defendant is included in the report.

In formulating a recommendation, considers prior convictions, ability of the defendant to post bond, community ties, possibility of substance abuse, and the risk of flight as well as the degree of danger to the community.

Supervises those defendants that are released on bond when required. Makes regular telephone contacts, home visits, and community contacts as required by the condition of release and supervision plan.

Ensures that defendant takes the required drug tests. Supervision intervention conducted with defendant to modify behavior to reduce potential for revocation.

Assists those needing medical help, food, shelter, and other assistance by referring them to the appropriate community or governmental agencies.

Coordinates and monitors defendant's contact with community resources. Notifies the court and the U.S. Attorney of any violations.

Prepares petitions and/or reports to the court recommending revocation or modification of conditions of release.

Attends court hearings (initial, detention or violations) to provide additional information and keeps abreast of the case status and requirements. Testifies when necessary to support violation reports.

Conducts investigations and prepares reports for the Court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses.

The preparation of these reports requires interviewing offenders and their families, investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the offender and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crimes, schools, etc.

The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the offender's background, to assess the probability of future criminal behavior, to determine profit from the offense and any restitution, and to determine the offender's ability to pay fines and costs of prosecution, incarceration, and supervision.

An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.

Following the disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyzes any objections and determines appropriate course of action.

Such actions may include resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved matters to the court for resolution. Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court.

Responds to judicial officer's request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications.

Serves as a resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.

Supervises offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to community, and to provide correctional treatment.

Maintains personal contact with offenders through office and community visits by telephone. Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance.

Responsible for detection of substance abuse through assessment and counseling and implements the necessary treatment or violation proceedings of appropriate offenders.

Refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, employment and training.

Initiates contacts with, replies to, and seeks information from persons and organizations (i.e., U.S.

Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys) concerning offenders' behavior and conditions of supervision.

Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions.

Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities, prepares written reports on these violation matters, and makes recommendations for disposition.

Testifies at court hearings. Conducts preliminary interviews and other investigations as required.

Maintains a detailed written record of case activity and is responsible for such case records as required by the Court, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and the Chief Probation Officer.

Supports and implements evidence-based practices in supervision and case management. Receives training and support to develop and sustain evidence-based supervision skills.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Court.