United States Pretrial Services Officer

Position Overview

Position:
United States Pretrial Services Officer

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled with a priority consideration date of August 5, 2026

Starting Salary:
Up to CL 27/13, $67,205 (Salary commensurate with experience.)

Transfers within the Judiciary will be considered for a salary match up to CL 28.

Location:

Alpine, Texas

Position Overview:

The United States Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for the position of Pretrial Services Officer in Alpine, Texas. Pretrial Services Officers assist the courts with reducing unnecessary pretrial detention by providing timely, objective, and verified background information to the Court on defendants charged with federal offenses. The information provided to the Court is used in setting reasonable, least restrictive bail conditions.

A recommendation of release or detention is made to the Court, with or without special conditions, to reasonably assure community safety and appearances at future Court hearings. Defendants are supervised by Pretrial Services until the case is resolved.

Conducts thorough investigations, including gathering and verifying background information on defendants charged with federal criminal offenses when they are arrested or summoned to the court. Gathers background information through interviews with the defendant, arresting authorities, U.S. Attorney's Office, family, and community members;

Evaluates information and prepares a bail report to the federal magistrate judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of risk of nonappearance and danger to the community. Makes well-supported recommendations to the Court regarding bond options;

Enforces court-ordered supervision components/conditions and implements supervision strategies in accordance with local and national policies. Conditions can include referrals for substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol testing, location monitoring, etc. Conducts risk assessments on defendants being interviewed;

Supervises defendants being released by the Court. Makes regular telephone contacts, home visits, and community contacts as required by the conditions of release, national and local policies. Assists defendants with securing any necessary employment, medical, legal or social services;

Develops appropriate supervision plans for defendants and completes case reviews due monthly. Conducts criminal record checks quarterly on defendants under supervision to ensure compliance.

Notifies the Court and U.S. Attorney's Office of violations of pretrial release. Prepares violation petitions/reports and makes recommendations to the Court regarding all apparent violations of pretrial release conditions;

Maintains accurate case records on each case as required by local and national policies;

Schedules and conducts drug/alcohol use detection tests of defendants under supervision, following established procedures and protocols. Maintains paper and computerized records of test results.

Maintains compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees and court confidentiality requirements/regulations.

Performs all other related duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration. Unquestioned integrity and exemplary character. Less than 37 years old at time of appointment, unless previous federal law enforcement officer experience under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Applicants must possess a valid driver's license.

The requirements listed above are not subject to substitutions.

Classification Level Requirements:

To qualify for appointment at the CL 27, candidates must have two years of specialized experience or completion of the requirements for a master's degree from an accredited college or university. Promotional potential to CL 28 with no further competition.

Specialized Experience is defined as…