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Job Details for Pretrial Services Officer (Transfer)

Court Name/Organization Michigan Eastern District Court
Overview of the Position This position is located in the Pretrial Services Agency, reporting directly to the assigned Supervising Pretrial Services Officer. By statute, Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and assist in the administration of justice and promote community safety, gather information, supervise defendants, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, conduct investigations, and present recommendations to the Court.
Location Detroit, MI
Opening and Closing Dates 11/12/2025 - 11/25/2025
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade CL 28
Salary $78,198 - $127,082
Announcement Number 25-21

Position Description

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations, which require interviewing persons under supervision and their families, as well as collecting background data from various sources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, statutes, and include Monographs, and relevant case law.
  • Track developments in the law, and update staff and the Court. Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with persons under supervision through office and community contacts and by telephone. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sex offenses, and similar problems and implement the necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment, monitoring, and counseling.
  • Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results. Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Respond to judicial officer's request for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and (if warranted) guideline applications. Serve as a resource to the Court. Maintain detailed written records of case activity.
  • Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities and take appropriate action. Responsible for enforcement of location monitoring conditions ordered by the Court. Responsible for home confinement conditions ordered by the Court.
  • Assess risk level of persons under supervision and develop a blend of controlling and correcting risk management strategies.
  • Participation in on-going training and education opportunities to further develop and/or enhance techniques and skills relating to investigation of persons under supervision and supervision practices.
  • Communicate with other organizations and persons (such as the Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning the behavior of persons under supervision and conditions of supervision. Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. 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 hearings. Guide the work of staff providing administrative and technical assistance to officers.
  • Guide, advise, train, and make recommendations to other officers, the Court, and other individuals regarding their designated area of specialty. Perform investigative and supervision responsibilities for persons under supervision with specialized situations or needs. May supervise persons under supervision who are in witness protection programs.
  • May assist and perform as back-up to Senior Pretrial Service Officers.
  • Perform administrative duties regarding area of specialty.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications must be met at the time of the application.

Required: A current U.S. Pretrial Services or Probation Officer with a minimum of two years of specialized experience.

Specialized Experience

Specialized experience is defined as 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/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology or mental health treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

The successful candidate must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Good writing and communication skills. Possess sound ethics and judgment. Have the ability to organize and prioritize work assignments, work under pressure of short deadlines, and have the ability to work harmoniously with others in a team-oriented work environment. Be proficient in problem solving and identifying alternative solutions and possess the ability to make timely and effective decisions.

Employee Benefits

Local benefits for employees in the Eastern District of Michigan include:

  • On-site fitness facilities in Detroit, Bay City, and Flint Courthouses.
  • Volunteer Policy - With approval, receive up to 24 hours of paid administrative leave for approved volunteer activities.
  • Telework (if applicable)
  • Flexible work schedules (if applicable)
  • Commuter Benefit Subsidies
  • Discounts for Government Employees

Insurance

  • Many Health Insurance options to choose from including, HMO, PPO, and Fee-for-Service
  • Many Dental and Vision plans to choose from
  • Group Life Insurance with additional riders you can customize for your needs
  • Short and Long-term Care Insurance options

Flexible Benefits

  • Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA)
  • Premium Payment Plan (PPP)

Retirement

  • Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
  • Thrift Savings Program (TSP) with Employer Matching (Term Law Clerks excluded)

Miscellaneous

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations, which require interviewing persons under supervision and their families, as well as collecting background data from various sources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, statutes, and include Monographs, and relevant case law.
  • Track developments in the law, and update staff and the Court. Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with persons under supervision through office and community contacts and by telephone. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sex offenses, and similar problems and implement the necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment, monitoring, and counseling.
  • Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results. Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Respond to judicial officer's request for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and (if warranted) guideline applications. Serve as a resource to the Court. Maintain detailed written records of case activity.
  • Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities and take appropriate action. Responsible for enforcement of location monitoring conditions ordered by the Court. Responsible for home confinement conditions ordered by the Court.
  • Assess risk level of persons under supervision and develop a blend of controlling and correcting risk management strategies.
  • Participation in on-going training and education opportunities to further develop and/or enhance techniques and skills relating to investigation of persons under supervision and supervision practices.
  • Communicate with other organizations and persons (such as the Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning the behavior of persons under supervision and conditions of supervision. Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. 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 hearings. Guide the work of staff providing administrative and technical assistance to officers.
  • Guide, advise, train, and make recommendations to other officers, the Court, and other individuals regarding their designated area of specialty. Perform investigative and supervision responsibilities for persons under supervision with specialized situations or needs. May supervise persons under supervision who are in witness protection programs.
  • May assist and perform as back-up to Senior Pretrial Service Officers.
  • Perform administrative duties regarding area of specialty.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Application Info

Applicants must submit a single PDF document to apply@MIED.uscourts.gov with:

  • Cover letter (include vacancy number) detailing your qualified and preferred skills
  • Resume
  • A copy of your most recent performance evaluation
  • Completed application Form AO-78

Note: Applicants are required to complete the Optional Background Information section on page 5 of the application Form AO-78.

Application materials that do not adhere to this procedure may not be considered. Applicant materials submitted in addition to the required documents will not be considered or retained. Separate applications must be made to individual vacancy announcements. Only candidates selected for the next step of the selection process will be contacted. A writing assessment may be administered. Travel reimbursement in connection with the selection process and/or relocation is not authorized.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.