U.S. Probation Officer

The U.S. Probation Office for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest federal probation offices among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. U.S. Probation is part of the federal judiciary, and together with the district courts, the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices:
Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of U.S. Probation Officer in our Mc Allen , Texas division.

Current USPOs: If you are currently employed by the U.S. Courts as a Probation Officer or Probation Officer Assistant in another district, do not submit an application. Instead, contact the Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the Southern District of Texas.

This position is contingent upon receiving sufficient funding. Although we anticipate receiving sufficient funds, the annual process of allocating the funds is yet to be completed.

By statute, probation officers are appointed by the district court. Officers assist in the administration of justice, promote community safety by gathering information, supervising offenders, interacting with collateral agencies, preparing reports, conducting investigations, and presenting recommendations to the court. Officers may guide the work of other staff. The incumbent conducts investigations, provides recommendations to the court, and supervises offenders.

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

For more information about U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, please view the below links prior to application:

• U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Careers
• Inside Federal Probation and Pretrial Services
• The "Eyes and Ears" of the Federal Courts
• Federal Judiciary Careers: U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services

Starting salary depends on qualifications, experience, and locality pay area. Pay tables may be viewed here. Entry level officers start at CL 25 or CL 27; experienced officers can start at CL 28.

In addition to the opportunity to serve your country in a rewarding public service position, the federal judiciary, the third branch of the federal government, provides a generous benefits package which, in addition to salary, is an important component of total compensation:

• Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with service thereafter, 13 sick days accrued per year, 11 paid holidays.
• Federal pension plan.
• Matching contributions on the first 5% of pay that you contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K).
• Choice of a variety of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans. Optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.
• Flexible spending account to pay out-of-pocket health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses with tax-free dollars.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

More information on benefits and working for the Judiciary may be found.

• Conduct investigations, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the court. Interview offenders/defendants and their families and collect background data from various sources. Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and statutes;
  Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines;
  Monographs; and relevant case law, as applicable.
• Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with defendants and offenders. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems. Work with appropriate specialist to implement necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment, monitoring, and counseling.
• Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests and DNA collection of offenders/defendants, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results. Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Respond to judicial officers' requests for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications, as warranted.…