US Probation Officer

The United States Probation Office for the Western District of Arkansas is currently accepting applications for the position of United States Probation Officer. The district serves 34 counties located primarily in the western half of the state. The district is headquartered in Fort Smith, with divisional offices in El Dorado, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, and Texarkana. The district has two district judges, two senior judges, and three magistrate judges. The position requires frequent travel within

Duties

• Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense when they are arrested or summoned to the court. Information is gathered through interviews with defendants, arresting authorities, U.S. Attorney's office, family, and community members. Law enforcement automated criminal records systems are used to obtain and verify information. Drug testing and substance abuse assessments are performed.
• Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of flight risk and danger to the community. A recommendation regarding bail and/or release or detention of the defendant is included in the report. In formulating a recommendation, considers prior convictions, ability of the defendant to post bond, community ties, possibility of substance abuse, and the risk of flight as well as the degree of danger to the community.
• Supervises those defendants that are released on bond when required. Makes regular telephone contacts, home visits, and community contacts as required by the condition of release and supervision plan. Ensures that defendant takes the required drug tests. Supervision intervention conducted with defendant to modify behavior to reduce potential for revocation. Assists those needing medical help, food, shelter, and other assistance by referring them to the appropriate community or governmental agencies. Coordinates and monitors defendant's contact with community resources.
• Notifies the court and the U.S. Attorney of any violations. Prepares petitions and/or reports to the court recommending revocation or modification of conditions of release. Attends court hearings (initial, detention or violations) to provide additional information and keeps abreast of the case status and requirements. Testifies when necessary to support violation reports.
• Conducts investigations and prepares reports for the Court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses. The preparation of these reports requires interviewing offenders and their families, investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the offender and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crimes, schools, etc. The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the offender's background, to assess the probability of future criminal behavior, to determine profit from the offense and any restitution, and to determine the offender's ability to pay fines and costs of prosecution, incarceration, and supervision. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Following the disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyzes any objections and determines appropriate course of action. Such actions may include resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved matters to the court for resolution.
• Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court. Responds to judicial officer's request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications. Serves as a resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.
• Supervises offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to community, and to provide correctional treatment.
• Maintains personal contact with offenders through office and community visits by telephone. Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Responsible for detection of substance abuse through assessment and counseling and implements the necessary treatment or violation proceedings of appropriate offenders. Refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, employment and training.
• Initiates contacts with, replies to, and seeks information from persons and organizations (i.e., U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys) concerning offenders' behavior and conditions of supervision. Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities, prepares written reports on these violation matters, and makes recommendations for disposition. Testifies at court hearings.
• Conducts preliminary interviews and other investigations as required.
• Maintains a detailed written record of case activity and is responsible for such case records as required by the Court, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and the Chief Probation Officer.
• Supports and implements evidence-based practices in supervision and case management.
• Receives training and support to develop and sustain evidence-based supervision skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Court.

Salary

• $50,297 - $115,213/year

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or be eligible to work in the United States.

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE
Officers are eligible for retirement after 20 years of service at the age of 50, or after 25 years of service at any age. Therefore, first-time appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 or over who have previous law enforcement officer experience may have their previous law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.

A high-sensitive background investigation, including fingerprint and criminal record checks, is required. Any applicant selected for a position will be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the background investigation. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. The selected candidate will be subject to updated background investigations every five years.

The position involves contact with individuals who may present a risk to officer and public safety. Duties may require moderate to arduous physical activity, including walking, standing, and the use of defensive tactics. Officers frequently face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are suspected or convicted of committing Federal offenses. Qualified candidates must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position. Medical requirements and essential job functions for officers are available for public review at U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Employment Suitability Requirements.

Prior to appointment, the selectee must successfully complete a medical examination and drug screening. Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining medical and physical standards required for law enforcement officers.

Newly appointed officers will be required to attend and successfully complete a six- week training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston, South Carolina.

Qualifications

CL-25: Requires one year of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-23 level and completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

CL-27: Requires two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-25 level or completion of a master's degree in field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

CL-28: Requires two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-27.

Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor's degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance abuse/addiction treatment. Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Education Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relation skills involved in the position is required for all probation officer positions. Other Information The U. S. Probation Office falls within the Judicial Branch of the U. S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under "Excepted Appointment" and are considered "At-Will" employees. Benefits include participation in the Federal Employees' Retirement System which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program, Federal Employees' Health Benefits, Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401 K plan with employer matching contributions), paid holidays and annual and sick leave accrual. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payment of net pay. Candidates must be citizens of the United States of America or be eligible to work in the United States. The U.S. Probation Office reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement or fill the position at any time before the closing date. If a subsequent vacancy of the same position becomes available within a reasonable period, the Chief U.S. Probation Officer may elect to select a candidate from the original qualified applicant pool. Required Documents

Letter of interest detailing knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the field of probation, pretrial services, investigations, counseling, and case management.

Completed Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (Form AO-78). This form may be downloaded from the U.S. Courts website: https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources-forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment.

Current and detailed résumé, including education and previous employment.

Name, address, email, and telephone number of three professional references.

Official academic transcripts.

Your most recent performance evaluation.

How to Apply

Email application packets to hr@arwp.uscourts.gov (single PDF document). Please reference the vacancy announcement number and title in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All application information is subject to verification.

Benefits A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Federal benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, eleven paid holidays per year, retirement benefits, and optional health, life, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance. Please visit http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits for additional information.