U.S. Probation Officer

Summary

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.

Duties

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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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
• All application information is subject to verification.
• Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees.
• This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer for payroll direct deposit.

MEDICAL AND DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be physically capable, have good vision, and normal hearing ability. Prior to employment, the selectee(s) considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee(s) may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the court. In addition, as conditions of employment, incumbent(s) will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations every five years, and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations and/or drug testing.

The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers and officer assistants are available for public review on the US Courts website.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a seven-year background investigation and every five years thereafter will be subject to an updated…