Job Details for U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer
| Court Name/Organization | Indiana Northern Probation and Pretrial Services |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. Pretrial Services & Probation Officer serves in a judiciary law enforcement position. Officers encourage long term positive change for the individuals they serve by fairly administering justice and providing investigative and supervision services while protecting the community. This position may include any of the three disciplines (pretrial, presentence, or post-conviction). |
| Location | South Bend, IN |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 01/29/2026 - 02/20/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 25, CL 27 - CL 28 |
| Salary | $51,419 - $116,394 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.innp.uscourts.gov/career-opportunities |
| Announcement Number | 26-04 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conducts investigations, prepares reports, investigates offenses, investigates clients background for sentencing.
- Interviews persons under supervision and their families, investigating the offense of conviction, prior record, and financial status of defendants. Other contacts may include the home, community, employers, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of crimes, and other civic or community agencies.
- Interprets and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and relevant case law to make recommendations on sentencing.
- Monitor and supervise defendants and persons under federal supervision, enforces court conditions, and provides treatment opportunities for positive lifestyle changes.
- Addresses persons under supervision adherence with the conditions of supervision, the reduction of risk to the community, and correctional treatment.
- Maintains personal contact with persons under supervision through contacts in the office and in the community; investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance.
- Assess offenders’ level of risk and develop a blend of strategies for monitoring, restrictions and interventions designed to mitigate risk. Responsible for detection of substance abuse, assessment, and counseling and addressing those areas of concern.
- Investigates violations of the conditions of supervision and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions.
- Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities and take appropriate action. Interview victim(s) and provide victim impact statements to the court. Ensure compliance with Mandatory Victims Restitution Act.
- Review and resolve disputed issues involving offenders and present unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
- Prepares fact-based reports for the court or parole authorities, which may include interpretation of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines, making recommendations for disposition; and testifying at court and parole hearings.
- Interacts with organizations such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, military parole authorities, and attorneys concerning client supervision conditions.
- Travel within and outside the district/state may be required.
- Provide offenders with information on local resources and programs regarding employment, GED certification assistance, ongoing education, and vocational training. Identify interests, aptitudes, and abilities of offenders through interviewing, gathering appropriate information and collaborating with stakeholders. Assist offenders toward integration into the community.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major 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 is required.
- An advanced degree is preferred.
Educational Substitutions
Completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements may be substituted for one year of specialized experience at the CL 25 level:
- An overall “B” grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0.
- Standing in the upper third of the class.
- “3.5” average or better in the major field of study, such as business or public administration, human resources management, industrial relations, or psychology.
- Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma XI, or one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies; or completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.
General Experience
To qualify for a Classification (CL) 25, you must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. With satisfactory performance, and qualifying experience, promotion to the CL 27 is without further competition.
To qualify for a Classification (CL) 27, you must have two years specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL 25 or completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. With satisfactory performance, and qualifying experience, promotion to the CL 28 is without further competition.
To qualify for a CL-28, you must have at least two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to the work at the CL 27.
Specialized Experience
- Applicant must have at least one year of specialized experience, which 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.
- Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer does not qualify as specialized experience.
Employee Benefits
- Paid annual leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays (11)
- Pre-tax benefit programs
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Group life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Defined contribution retirement benefits (FERS)
- Thrift savings plan (TSP)- 401 (k)-styled program with up to 5% match
- Fitness center
Miscellaneous
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conducts investigations, prepares reports, investigates offenses, investigates clients background for sentencing.
- Interviews persons under supervision and their families, investigating the offense of conviction, prior record, and financial status of defendants. Other contacts may include the home, community, employers, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of crimes, and other civic or community agencies.
- Interprets and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and relevant case law to make recommendations on sentencing.
- Monitor and supervise defendants and persons under federal supervision, enforces court conditions, and provides treatment opportunities for positive lifestyle changes.
- Addresses persons under supervision adherence with the conditions of supervision, the reduction of risk to the community, and correctional treatment.
- Maintains personal contact with persons under supervision through contacts in the office and in the community; investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance.
- Assess offenders’ level of risk and develop a blend of strategies for monitoring, restrictions and interventions designed to mitigate risk. Responsible for detection of substance abuse, assessment, and counseling and addressing those areas of concern.
- Investigates violations of the conditions of supervision and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions.
- Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities and take appropriate action. Interview victim(s) and provide victim impact statements to the court. Ensure compliance with Mandatory Victims Restitution Act.
- Review and resolve disputed issues involving offenders and present unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
- Prepares fact-based reports for the court or parole authorities, which may include interpretation of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines, making recommendations for disposition; and testifying at court and parole hearings.
- Interacts with organizations such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, military parole authorities, and attorneys concerning client supervision conditions.
- Travel within and outside the district/state may be required.
- Provide offenders with information on local resources and programs regarding employment, GED certification assistance, ongoing education, and vocational training. Identify interests, aptitudes, and abilities of offenders through interviewing, gathering appropriate information and collaborating with stakeholders. Assist offenders toward integration into the community.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.