Job Details for Supervisory U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Officer
Court Name/Organization | South Dakota Probation and Pretrial Services |
Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota is seeking a full-time Supervisory U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Officer (SUSPO) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The SUSPO holds an essential position within the leadership and management team and is responsible for leading and mentoring line officers, managing workload, coordinating and carrying out major district initiatives, and fostering a collaborative work environment to effectively fulfill the mission of the district. An open-minded mentality is required to learn new processes for professional growth and success; they should lead by example and demonstrate mature judgment, technical expertise, and appropriate policy execution at all times. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of operations and services available to the Court and the community while consistently demonstrating integrity, initiative, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and loyalty to the district. The SUSPO position will be established with an initial term of two years. Following the two-year evaluation period, the position may be converted to a permanent appointment based on performance, outcomes, and job satisfaction. Both management and the employee have the discretion to end the term. |
Location | Sioux Falls, SD |
Opening and Closing Dates | 07/11/2025 - 08/01/2025 |
Appointment Type | Permanent |
Classification Level/Grade | CL 29 - CL 30 |
Salary | $84,284 - $161,910 |
Announcement Number | 07-25 |
Position Description
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervises and directs the operations of assigned staff to deliver services to the Court and communities served. Communicates regularly to provide direction and assistance in case situations and general operational procedures. Receives, prioritizes, and assigns work ensuring fairness and consistency. Serves as a resource to ensure successful and efficient work performance occurs.
- Reviews work completed by staff, including reports submitted to the Court, case plans, and correspondence, ensuring the recommendations made to the Court adhere to national and local performance quality standards. Monitors scheduling of staff for adequate office coverage, external work requirements, court appearances, etc.
- Ensures continuation of staff development by supporting evidence-based approaches, identifying and facilitating training, holding individual staff meetings, effectively delegating duties, and appropriately increasing levels of responsibility in assignments.
- Confers regularly with officers to provide direction and guidance toward improving investigative, supervision, and writing skills. Assists officers with meeting the needs of defendants/persons under supervision who may have complex circumstances; provides leadership in the development of sentencing alternatives, utilization of community resources, and application of professionally sound case management principles.
- Provides leadership to staff and the district on effective supervision monitoring strategies and behavior change interventions.
- Conducts unit meetings to identify performance and operational concerns; develops, implements, and communicates effective solutions. Provides and solicits feedback during unit or individual officer meetings.
- Evaluates the performance and professional development of officers on a systematic and regular basis. Documents progress and maintains accurate records to assist with performance management. Implements performance improvement plans if necessary.
- Fosters a supportive work environment and maintains responsibility for enhancing a positive district culture; encourages loyalty, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission of the district.
- Provides support throughout implementation of administrative initiatives by serving as a major communication catalyst between officers and management.
- Works with the Assistant Deputy Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief Probation Officer to develop programs, policies, and initiatives that increase the effectiveness of the office. Works with staff to ensure a thorough understanding of national and local policies.
- Monitors and leads operations to ensure the expeditious handling of duties for the Court, institutions, or other agencies occurs. Performs quality control by monitoring and reviewing work, conducting internal audits, and providing training and coaching for staff.
- Reviews data regularly; adjusts processes and scheduling to improve outcomes and meet unit goals
- Manages hours of work, leave requests, dress code, and other local and national policies for employees supervised to maintain consistency and professionalism within the district. Establishes schedules and deadlines as necessary for completion of work.
- Models maturity and professionalism at all times; holds self and others accountable for actions and standards expected by the Court. Demonstrates ethical behavior and sound judgement.
- If needed, performs any or all duties of a line officer, including investigating and/or supervising persons under supervision
- Promotes and maintains cooperative and supportive relationships with other law enforcement and community service agencies
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Embraces diversity among colleagues and communities served
- May be asked to perform additional duties and/or projects as assigned
- Extensive travel to other locations within the district may be required
Qualifications
Personal Characteristic Requirements:
- Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, adhere to high ethical standards, and demonstrate integrity while fulfilling the district’s vision, mission, and values
- Prioritize competing demands while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor
- Exercise impartiality and discretion with defendants, persons under supervision, courts, justice partners, and communities
- Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed, including nights, weekends, or holidays
- Promote and maintain a positive work environment which encourages integrity, respect, individual and organizational growth, and a fulfilling work life
Knowledge, Skills, and Education Requirements:
- Completion of a 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
- For placement at a CL 29 or CL30, applicants must have three years of specialized experience*, including one year as a probation/pretrial services officer in the U.S. Courts
- To maintain hazardous duty FERS retirement, a law enforcement employee must have three years of service in a primary position before moving to a secondary law enforcement position such as a supervisor
- Sufficient technology and keyboarding abilities are required to produce reports, documents, and correspondence using electronic work processing systems and other office technology
*Specialized experience must be clearly documented on Form AO 78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment and include explanation of progressively responsible professional, supervisory, or managerial experience in which you’ve gained (a) knowledge of how to effectively manage others in the workplace, (b) experience in exercising mature judgment, (c) knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of Evidence Based Practices, Behavioral Theory, and Social Learning Theory, and (d) knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, theories, and policies of the U.S. Probation Office.
Employee Benefits
- Paid Annual & Sick Leave
- Paid Paternal Leave
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Employer Subsidized Health Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Supplemental Vision/Dental Insurance
- Retirement Benefits Plan (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Pre-tax benefit programs
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Telework opportunities
Miscellaneous
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervises and directs the operations of assigned staff to deliver services to the Court and communities served. Communicates regularly to provide direction and assistance in case situations and general operational procedures. Receives, prioritizes, and assigns work ensuring fairness and consistency. Serves as a resource to ensure successful and efficient work performance occurs.
- Reviews work completed by staff, including reports submitted to the Court, case plans, and correspondence, ensuring the recommendations made to the Court adhere to national and local performance quality standards. Monitors scheduling of staff for adequate office coverage, external work requirements, court appearances, etc.
- Ensures continuation of staff development by supporting evidence-based approaches, identifying and facilitating training, holding individual staff meetings, effectively delegating duties, and appropriately increasing levels of responsibility in assignments.
- Confers regularly with officers to provide direction and guidance toward improving investigative, supervision, and writing skills. Assists officers with meeting the needs of defendants/persons under supervision who may have complex circumstances; provides leadership in the development of sentencing alternatives, utilization of community resources, and application of professionally sound case management principles.
- Provides leadership to staff and the district on effective supervision monitoring strategies and behavior change interventions.
- Conducts unit meetings to identify performance and operational concerns; develops, implements, and communicates effective solutions. Provides and solicits feedback during unit or individual officer meetings.
- Evaluates the performance and professional development of officers on a systematic and regular basis. Documents progress and maintains accurate records to assist with performance management. Implements performance improvement plans if necessary.
- Fosters a supportive work environment and maintains responsibility for enhancing a positive district culture; encourages loyalty, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission of the district.
- Provides support throughout implementation of administrative initiatives by serving as a major communication catalyst between officers and management.
- Works with the Assistant Deputy Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief Probation Officer to develop programs, policies, and initiatives that increase the effectiveness of the office. Works with staff to ensure a thorough understanding of national and local policies.
- Monitors and leads operations to ensure the expeditious handling of duties for the Court, institutions, or other agencies occurs. Performs quality control by monitoring and reviewing work, conducting internal audits, and providing training and coaching for staff.
- Reviews data regularly; adjusts processes and scheduling to improve outcomes and meet unit goals
- Manages hours of work, leave requests, dress code, and other local and national policies for employees supervised to maintain consistency and professionalism within the district. Establishes schedules and deadlines as necessary for completion of work.
- Models maturity and professionalism at all times; holds self and others accountable for actions and standards expected by the Court. Demonstrates ethical behavior and sound judgement.
- If needed, performs any or all duties of a line officer, including investigating and/or supervising persons under supervision
- Promotes and maintains cooperative and supportive relationships with other law enforcement and community service agencies
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Embraces diversity among colleagues and communities served
- May be asked to perform additional duties and/or projects as assigned
- Extensive travel to other locations within the district may be required
Application Info
Please submit the following:
- Completed AO 78 (Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment)
- A written statement, no more than 1 page, explaining the following:
- What does the role of a Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer mean to you?
- What have been your major professional accomplishments over the last five years?
All documents must be emailed in PDF format with "Vacancy 07-25" in the subject line to: recruitment@sdd.uscourts.gov
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.