US Probation Officer Assistant; POA

The United States Probation Office, Northern District of Iowa, is accepting applications for a United States Probation Officer Assistant in the Sioux City, Iowa, Probation Office. Up to 13 days paid vacation per year for the first 3 years of employment: 20 to 26 days per year thereafter (dependent upon the length of federal service). A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year.

Sick leave of 13 days the first year, increased thereafter per policy. Up to 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave, if qualified. Excellent retirement package (enhanced Federal law enforcement retirement benefits). Mandatory participation in the Federal Retirement System (FERS) and Social Security programs. FERS Social Security supplement until the age of 62. Optional Thrift Savings Plan (employer matching component) with diversification control.

Annual Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments, as approved by Congress. Full extension of health benefits. Optional participation in the federal health insurance program of your choice (no waiting period). Optional vision, dental, and disability insurance programs of your choice (no waiting period). Optional participation in a flexible spending program for health and/or dependent care. Optional participation in group life insurance; disability; and long‑term care programs.

Optional association‑based memberships. On‑site wellness room and emphasis on self‑care. Flexible schedule options including work from home opportunities (after a period of establishment and good performance). Paid parking. A great team environment that values wellness and diversity.

• Knowledge of probation and parole processes and procedures, court processes, and legal terminology. Knowledge of the criminal justice system including the interrelationships between the federal courts, federal probation, and various law enforcement agencies.
• General knowledge of available community resources. Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other similar activities. Basic knowledge of techniques used in supervising offenders and basic knowledge of sentencing guidelines.
• Basic skill in assisting probation officers with supervision of offenders in selected low risk cases, risk assessment, and developing appropriate alternatives and sanctions to non‑compliant behavior. Ability to organize, prioritize, compile and summarize work within established time frames. Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure of short deadlines and follow detailed instructions accurately.

• Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with people of diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement and collateral agency personnel at different governmental levels, community service providers, and offenders/defendants. Ability to interview and gather needed information. Written communication for presentation to judicial officers is reviewed by a skilled probation officer.

• Skill in the use of automated equipment including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, and various other types of software. Ability to use computer software and database systems to perform record checks, record urinalysis results, compile criminal history information, and similar activities.

• Completion of bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Previous experience in community corrections and/or working knowledge of evidence‑based practices as it relates to corrections.
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Apple products.
• A thorough…