U.S. Pretrial Services Officer

Court Name/Organization Illinois Northern Pretrial Services

Overview of the Position The U.S. Pretrial Services Office for the Northern District of Illinois is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of a Pretrial Services Officer. The Pretrial Services Officer, as a pretrial release investigator and supervision 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;

and for ensuring public safety through the monitoring and supervision of defendants placed under supervision by the Court.

• Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense when they are arrested or summoned to court.
• Ability to query and interpret law enforcement automated criminal records systems to obtain and verify information.
• Evaluates information and prepares a report for the judicial officer prior to the Initial Appearance hearing with an assessment of risks of non-appearance and danger to the community.
• Attends court hearings to represent Pretrial Services, provides the court, government, and defense counsel with additional information as needed, and stays current with the case status and requirements of the court’s orders.
• Makes recommendations regarding bail and/or release or detention of the defendant.
• Testify in court when necessary.
• Communicates with other organizations and personnel (U.S. Marshal Service, other law enforcement agencies, Bureau of Prisons, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning defendants’ behavior and conditions of supervision. Identify and report violations of the Order Setting Conditions of Release and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions.
• Investigates violations, prepares written reports for the court, and recommends appropriate action to be taken by the court.
• Conduct community contacts.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Be available for weekend arrest duty court coverage as needed.
• May supervise a caseload of defendants ensuring compliance with procedures outlined within district and national policy and report violations pertaining to supervision conditions to the judicial officer

The above list is intended to reflect typical duties and does not include all duties or special work assignments. U.S. Pretrial Services Officer (and Officer Assistant) duties are performed in an office, courtroom, and community setting and are subject to irregular work hours to include nights, weekends, and holidays. This does include regular contact with people of varying backgrounds and characteristics.

These duties will also require the investigation and management of defendants and who may present physical danger to themselves and/or the public. The supervision, treatment, and oversight of those persons under pretrial supervision may require moderate to arduous physical activity, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity, and coordination necessary for a safe, physical retreat.

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States.
• A driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.
• All Pretrial Services officer positions require completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least one year of specialized experience. At least one year of experience at or equivalent to the next level below the level of the position for which the person is being considered. Sufficient keyboarding skills (or alternative skills) to demonstrate proficiency in producing reports/documents/correspondence using electronic word processing and other office system technology is required.

* Specialized Experience
:
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 officer, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is…