U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer

U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers perform functions that aid judicial officers in making informed decisions about persons charged with and convicted of criminal offenses, as well as supervise such persons to assure their compliance with conditions of release. Officers encourage long-term positive change for the individuals they serve by fairly administering justice and providing investigative and supervision services while protecting the community.

Federal benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include health and life insurance, disability and long-term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, and a tax‑deferred savings plan. Officers who consistently meet performance expectations have opportunities for limited teleworking. This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation or payment of net pay.

For additional information on employment with the federal courts, please visit the website for U.S. Courts.

Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field such as criminal justice, criminology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration, or another related field which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position. A valid driver’s license is required.

Strong communication skills, including writing, are essential to being a successful officer. Officers must be mature, responsible, organized, and demonstrate sound ethics and judgment. Officers must possess a positive attitude, integrity, initiative, and the ability to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds. Officers must work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

A minimum of one year of specialized experience or completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements:

• An overall "B" grade point average or a "B+" (3.5 out of 4.0) average in a major field of study;
• Academic standing in the upper third of the class;
• Election to 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.

A minimum of two years of specialized experience 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 in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, substance/addiction treatment, public administration, social work, psychology, human relations, or mental health. Experience as a custodial or security officer does not qualify as specialized experience. Experience as a police officer qualifies only if such experience is in criminal investigations.

Additional preferred skills include fluency in a foreign language and licensure or certification in a behavioral science (LMSW, CADC, LPC, etc.). An advanced degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.