U.S. Probation Officer

Overview of the Position The U.S. Probation Office in the Northern District of Illinois is currently recruiting for a full-time U.S. Probation Officer. By statute, the Probation Officer serves in a Judiciary law enforcement position and assists in the administration of justice. Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Probation Officer, the incumbent as an investigative, sentencing and supervision specialist, is responsible for providing meaningful assistance to the U.S. District Court in its deliberations and decisions concerning criminal offenders, and for ensuring public safety through the monitoring and supervision of offenders placed under supervision by the court, the U.S. Parole Commission, or military authorities.

• Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the court with recommendations. Interview offenders and their families and collect background data from various sources.
• Interpret and apply policies and procedures, 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 offenders, investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems and refer to the appropriate specialist.
• Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests and DNA collection of offenders, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain records of test results. Maintain the 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, if warranted. Maintain detailed records of case activity.
• Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities, and take appropriate action. Interview victim(s) and provide victim impact statements to the court. Ensure compliance with the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act.
• Review and resolve disputed issues involving offenders and present unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
• Assess offenders’ level of risk and develop a blend of strategies for monitoring, restrictions, and interventions designed to mitigate risk.
• Provide offenders with information on local resources and programs regarding employment, GED certification assistance, ongoing education, and vocational training. Identify interests, aptitudes, and abilities of offenders through interviewing, gathering appropriate information, and collaborating with stakeholders. Assist offenders toward integration into the community.
• Communicate with other organizations and personnel (such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning offenders’ behavior and conditions of supervision.
• Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Discuss violations with the Supervisory Probation Officer. Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepare written reports of violation matters and make recommendations for disposition. Testify at court or parole hearings. Conduct Parole Commission preliminary interviews.

Work is performed in an office setting and the community and will be subject to irregular work hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work requires regular contact with people who have violent backgrounds. These contacts may be made in both generally controlled office settings as well as in field situations (such as uncontrolled and unsafe neighborhoods/environments where illegal activities and violence may…