U.S. Probation Officer

Full Job Description

The U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Office for the District of Hawaii is currently accepting applications for full-time U.S. Probation Officers.

More than one position may be filled from this posting and assignment could be with our Investigation or Supervision units.

Additionally, the position may be stationed at either the Honolulu or Waipahu office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Appointment at the CL-25 level requires at least one year of 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, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Educational Substitution: Completion of requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements may be substituted for one (1) year of specialized experience (and is qualifying for CL 25, Step 1).

An overall "B" grade point average equaling 2.9 or better of a possible 4.0; Standing in the upper third of the class; A "B+" (3.5) average or better in the major field of study, such as business or public administration, human resources management, industrial relations, or psychology; or, Election to a membership in one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies.

Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position is also qualifying at CL 25 Step 1.

Completion of a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, is qualifying at CL 27, Step 1.

COURT PREFERRED SKILLS Possess the counseling skills, personal demeanor, and commitment necessary to facilitate positive behavioral change in those we supervise.

Possess good writing and oral communication skills and the ability to work independently and professionally without daily supervision.

Possess a willingness to zealously enforce the law, protect the community, and provide correctional treatment services to persons under supervision who reside in communities throughout the District of Hawaii.

Possess the ability and desire to work effectively with other staff, the Court, stakeholders, and persons under supervision.

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 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 experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.

Major Duties:

Investigation Unit - A USPO in this department assists in the administration of justice through investigations and reports to the court during the pretrial and presentence phases of the judicial process.

As a pretrial investigator, the Officer is responsible for providing meaningful assistance to the U.S.

District Court in its deliberations and decisions concerning pretrial release of defendants accused of violating federal statutes.

For presentence investigations, the Officer is responsible for investigating and assisting the Court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses.

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

The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the defendant's background, assess the probability of future criminal behavior, calculate profit from, and any restitution owed for, the offense, and to determine the defendant's ability to pay fines or make restitution.

During the presentence phase, officers apply U.S.

Sentencing Commission guidelines and case law; decide the appropriate course of action after analyzing any objections to the presentence report; resolve disputed issues; make written sentencing recommendations to the Court; and appear at hearings to assist as needed.

Supervision Unit - A USPO supervises individuals under pretrial and post-conviction supervision to maximize adherence to imposed court-ordered conditions, reduce risk to the community, and to provide correctional treatment.

The Officer maintains personal contact through office and community visits, and investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle and associates to assess risk and compliance.

Engages clients through cognitive based curriculum to encourage and support prosocial behaviors. Utilizes Motivational Interviewing techniques to enhance clients' intrinsic motivation to change.

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

Makes referrals to appropriate outside agencies such as medical, mental, and drug treatment facilities, and job readiness programs.

Initiates contacts with, replies to, and seeks information from organizations and persons such as the U.S. Parole Commission, U.S.

Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys concerning clients' behavior and conditions of supervision. Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate corrective alternatives and sanctions.

Reports violations of the supervision conditions to the appropriate authorities. Prepares detailed reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines.

Makes recommendations for disposition. Testifies at court or parole hearings. Conducts investigation of possible new criminal activity and other violations as required.

Maintains a written record of case activity within the established case management program.