U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer

Job Title

U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer

The duties specified herein are intended to provide generalized examples of the major duties and responsibilities that are performed by U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers within any unit and do not reflect all duties performed by positions covered in this announcement.

• Conduct pretrial investigations and prepare pretrial reports for the Court with recommendations addressing risk of non-appearance and risk of danger to the community. Gather comprehensive, factual, and objective information that is verified through collateral resources. Provide written and verbal assistance to the Court regarding pretrial procedures in a clear, logical, and concise format.
• Conduct presentence investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations for sentencing. Preparation of these reports requires interviewing defendants and their families; investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the defendant; and contacting collateral sources. An integral part of the presentence investigative process, including responses to objections, is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Supervise persons under pretrial and post-conviction supervision to promote positive lifestyle changes, to maximize compliance with court-imposed conditions, to reduce risk to the community, and to provide for correctional treatment. Develop and implement appropriate strategies using evidence-based practices.
• Maintain personal contact with persons under pretrial and post-conviction supervision through telephone and electronic means and visits in the office, home, and community. Personal visits may take place in neighborhoods or environments where illegal activities and violence could occur. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle and associates to assess risks, criminogenic needs, and compliance with court-ordered conditions of supervision.
• Detect and investigate any violations of conditions of supervision, including illicit substance use, and implement appropriate strategies and sanctions. Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the Court and appropriate authorities.
• Collaborate with and seek information from a variety of sources such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, defendants/persons under supervision and their families, community partners, law enforcement officials, treatment providers, victims, and attorneys. Treat all persons with dignity and respect.
• Prepare an array of reports and testify in court as to the basis of findings, case information, and guideline applications. Serve as resources and subject matter experts for the Court.
• Maintain an accurate, timely, and detailed written record of case activity.
• Interpret and apply complex rules, policies, and procedures while ensuring judicial and statutory requirements are being met.
• Work evenings and weekends as required for supervision activities and/or mission critical tasks. Travel for core duties and training, including overnight stays, as required. Officers may be required to work more than 40 hours per week to meet job requirements and deadlines. Overtime pay is not authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States.
• Maintain court confidentiality requirements and embrace the Charter for Excellence. Demonstrate integrity, sound ethics, judgment, and professional demeanor.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Court or Chief U.S. Probation Officer.