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Job Details for U.S. Probation Officer

Court Name/Organization: Texas Eastern Probation and Pretrial Services
Overview of the Position: The U.S. Probation Office for the Eastern District of Texas has an immediate opening for a full-time U.S. Probation Officer in our Plano office. This position offers promotion potential up to CL-28 without further competition. The incumbent is hired by the Chief Probation Officer and works directly for the U.S. Probation Office.
Location: Plano, Sherman, TX
Opening and Closing Dates: 04/18/2024 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type: Permanent
Classification Level/Grade: CL 25 - CL 28
Salary: $54,281 - $122,845
Link to Court Careers Information: https://www.txep.uscourts.gov/file/561/download?token=f2qRxoPk
Announcement Number: 24-02
Position Description

Representative Duties: 
Incumbent conducts investigations and prepares reports for the Court with recommendations concerning the release or sentencing of individuals who have been charged with or convicted of federal offenses. The preparation of these reports requires interviewing defendants and their families; investigating the offense, prior record, and financial status of the defendant; and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crime, schools, churches, and civic organizations. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and relevant case law. Incumbent testifies in court as to guideline applications and serves as a resource to the Court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.

Incumbent supervises persons under supervision to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and provide correctional treatment. This is accomplished through personal contact with persons under supervision in office and community settings. Employment, source of income, lifestyle and associates are investigated to assess risk and measure compliance. Incumbent detects evidence of substance abuse and takes appropriate action, which may include implementing necessary treatment or initiating revocation proceedings. Incumbent also refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies for counseling, treatment, employment assistance, and training.

Qualification

To be considered for the position, candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business, public administration, English, or pre-law which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relation skills involved in the work of the position of probation officer. Two years specialized experience is preferred. Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor’s degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigation, or work in substance/addiction treatment, law or teaching. Experience as a police officer, custodial or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Required Special Skills: 
Incumbent must have solid analytical skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to organize, oversee, and complete multiple projects simultaneously; and the ability to maintain confidentiality and work harmoniously with others. Computer skills including a working knowledge of computer software such as Windows, Word and Outlook and the ability to type and use a scanner are required.

How To Apply

Consideration will only be given to those who apply by following these instructions: attach only the documents requested below in a single PDF file. Please name the file with your last name and the announcement number for example (Smith 24-02).

  1. Cover letter that includes a brief narrative describing your special skills that make you a suitable candidate. Cover letter should be single spaced 12 point.
  2. A complete AO78 Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (02/20) . Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
  3. Five professional references with all contact information.
  4. Copies of the last three performance appraisals or evaluations.
  5. A copy of your college transcript(s) with the qualifying degree(s) and the date(s) awarded clearly highlighted or circled on the document.
  6. To apply, please submit all of the above requested documents and/or information via email to TXEP-HR@txep.uscourts.gov. Preference will be given to applications submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024. Only applicants who will be tested will be contacted by email. Interviews will be conducted the week of June 10, 2024.

U.S. Probation reserves the right to amend or withdraw any announcement without written notice to applicants. If a subsequent vacancy of the same position becomes available within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Chief U.S. Probation Officer may elect to select a candidate from the original qualified applicant pool.

The court is not authorized to reimburse a candidate for travel in connection with an interview or pay for any relocation expenses.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.