Job Details for Pretrial Services Intensive Supervision Specialist - Location Monitoring

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States and have a valid driver’s license. Applicants must possess a four-year (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as 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 relations skills involved in the position.

In addition to meeting educational requirements, applicants must also have at least three years of specialized experience* as a United States Probation or Pretrial Services Officer (CL 28). The experience requirement is not subject to substitutions.

The applicant must also possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Minimum one year of direct, hands-on experience utilizing electronic monitoring technologies.
• Knowledge of federal law and the criminal justice system and how it relates to Federal Probation and Pretrial Services policies and procedures, and knowledge of the Bail Reform Act
• Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other similar information (such as the National Crime Information Center) 
• Knowledge of investigative and supervision techniques: skill in investigating defendants backgrounds, risk assessment, developing appropriate alternatives to non-compliant behavior, negotiation and motivation techniques 
• Ability to exercise discretion; demonstrated skill in legal reasoning and critical thinking.
• Skill in dealing with difficult individuals; ability to counsel defendants to maintain compliance with conditions of their release 
• Ability to follow safety procedures within the office and while in the community
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to compile and summarize information within established time frames.
• Ability to organize, prioritize work schedule; work independently with little supervision and to exercise discretion, sound ethics and judgment 
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with individuals of diverse backgrounds including criminal defendants, law enforcement personnel, judicial personnel, and attorneys.

Medical Requirements

The duties of Pretrial Services Officers require the investigation and management of alleged criminal defendants who may present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the investigation, supervision, and treatment of defendants, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary for officer safety and use of self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are charged with committing federal offenses.

Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the court. In addition, as conditions of employment, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screenings, updated background investigations every five years, and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for pretrial services officers (and pretrial services officer assistants) are available for public review.

Training Requirements

As a newly appointed Pretrial Services Officer you will be required to participate in and complete the Initial Probation and Pretrial Services Training (IPPT) program. The program takes place at The Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy located in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). The duration of this program is six weeks / 29 training days. The officer must pass written and practical exams and complete required electronic learning modules in order to satisfy the graduation requirements. Enrollment will be requested once the officer is officially appointed to the position.

Maximum Entry Age

U.S. Pretrial Services Officers are covered under the law enforcement retirement provision that requires mandatory separation at age 57 with at least 20 years of service due to the physical requirements of the position. Therefore, first-time appointees must have not reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants age 37 or over who have previous law enforcement officer experience under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may have their previous law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.