Job Details for Probation Support Technician
| Court Name/Organization | California Northern Probation Office |
| Overview of the Position | Probation Support Technicians provide entry-level technical and administrative support to probation officers in areas including assisting with conducting investigations, compiling criminal histories, coordinating with collateral agencies, and performing similar duties under the guidance of a probation officer. The Probation Support Technician(s) may be placed in either the Presentence or Supervision division. |
| Location | San Francisco, CA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 02/06/2026 - 02/20/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 23 - CL 25 |
| Salary | $50,438 - $100,341 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.canp.uscourts.gov/content/career-opportunities |
| Announcement Number | 26-DA0206PST |
Position Description
- Assists probation officers and officer assistants in both the presentence investigations and supervision disciplines in managing their caseloads by performing any or all of the following tasks: conducts case file reviews; advises officers and officer assistants of matters needing their attention, such as compiling criminal histories/profiles from a variety of sources; makes chronological entries in supervision case records; conducts records research and retrieval by contacting other agencies by phone or mail to obtain needed documentation for officers and officer assistants; running record checks through local and national databases and files; sets up new supervision case records and performs various file management tasks; assists officers and officer assistants in responding to collateral requests for information; assembles/processes information to the Sentencing Commission; and keeps various logs and records.
- Formats, types, edits, and finalizes reports and correspondence for probation officers and officer assistants from rough drafts using word processing equipment. This may include, but is not limited to, documents such as presentence investigation reports, supervision case plans and reviews, and memorandums or reports to the court.
- Completes various standard forms for submission to the court and legal counsel using information provided by officers and officer assistants, including, but not limited to, petitions, orders to the court, and similar documentation.
- Under the guidance and direction of a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer, monitor individuals under supervision compliance by making telephone contacts, reviewing written monthly reports, assisting with computer forensics, and reviewing computer usage via remote software. Report noncompliance issues to a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer.
- Under the guidance of a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer, assist administratively with the supervision of a low-risk caseload by monitoring for non-compliant behavior of persons under supervision who are not required to make monthly personal contact with the probation office and completing case paperwork as required. These duties may include answering individuals under supervision questions, tracking individuals under supervision’s monthly report, and investigating noted changes, transmitting letters to individuals under supervision, maintaining chronological entries in PACTS, conducting financial and criminal records checks, maintaining case files, and communicating non-compliance issues to a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer.
- Maintains original Monthly Treatment Reports (MTRs) and logs and copies of program plans in DAC/MH files and distributes copies of MTRs and logs to probation officers for client files. Ensures that the Clinical Services Module is accurate for monthly report submission to the Administrative Office. Point of contact for vendor and staff for routine contracts administration questions related to billing, supplies, and file maintenance. Assists the Contracts Administrator and Contracts Team with vendor training by preparing training materials and supply ordering.
- Opens, closes, and updates information into computerized records, including the Probation Automated Case Tracking System (PACTS) and Probation Assistant; researches information from case records and enters into system as appropriate; screens forms completed by officers and officer assistants and requests corrections as needed; and retrieves information from database and generates periodic reports.
- Participates in problem solving at staff meetings with other support staff, officers, and officer assistants; makes constructive suggestions for improvements in work processes to better achieve goals and objectives; and periodically acts as administrative and clerical facilitator to distribute/redistribute work and optimize office support operations as needed.
- Provides general clerical and office support by performing any or all of the following tasks: answers the telephone and takes messages; copies and distributes documents; sends and receives faxes and electronic mail messages; processes travel and expense reimbursement documents; receives and distributes mail; attends meetings and takes minutes; provides backup receptionist help; orders and stores office supplies; and assists probation officers and officer assistants with word processing or other computer issues in the absence of the supervisor.
- Prepare and process forms and documents, ensuring consistency and accuracy among court-supplied documents, officer reports, and related paperwork. Format, type, and edit reports which are reviewed by a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer.
- Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis test materials. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results and inform probation officers of test results. Maintain and mail or transport tests and materials to laboratories for confirmation.
- Assist with the training of new probation officers and probation officer assistants as it relates to operational support procedures and policy.
- Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- For CL 23 classification level: Possess high school diploma or equivalent and two years of general experience.
- For CL 24 and CL 25 classification levels: Possess one year of specialized experience.
Preferred Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or another related field from an accredited college or university. Having more than two years of general experience and/or having more than one year of specialized experience. Possession of general knowledge of the criminal justice system and probation/parole processes and procedures, and experience working in a federal government or federal court environment. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Word, and WordPerfect.
Personal Characteristics and Skills: Demonstrating sound ethics and judgment; maintaining a professional demeanor and presence; possessing effective verbal and written communication skills; having the ability to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds; having the ability to handle multiple demands in a fast-paced work environment; having the ability to compile information within established time frames and follow detailed instructions accurately; and having the ability to adapt to change.
General Experience
Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Education above the high school level may be substituted for required general experience based on one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) equals one year of general experience.
Specialized Experience
Progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software and equipment for word processing, data entry, or report generation. Such experience is commonly encountered in law firms, legal counsel offices, banking, and credit firms, educational institutions, social service organizations, insurance companies, real estate and title offices, and corporate headquarters or human resources/payroll operations.
Miscellaneous
- Assists probation officers and officer assistants in both the presentence investigations and supervision disciplines in managing their caseloads by performing any or all of the following tasks: conducts case file reviews; advises officers and officer assistants of matters needing their attention, such as compiling criminal histories/profiles from a variety of sources; makes chronological entries in supervision case records; conducts records research and retrieval by contacting other agencies by phone or mail to obtain needed documentation for officers and officer assistants; running record checks through local and national databases and files; sets up new supervision case records and performs various file management tasks; assists officers and officer assistants in responding to collateral requests for information; assembles/processes information to the Sentencing Commission; and keeps various logs and records.
- Formats, types, edits, and finalizes reports and correspondence for probation officers and officer assistants from rough drafts using word processing equipment. This may include, but is not limited to, documents such as presentence investigation reports, supervision case plans and reviews, and memorandums or reports to the court.
- Completes various standard forms for submission to the court and legal counsel using information provided by officers and officer assistants, including, but not limited to, petitions, orders to the court, and similar documentation.
- Under the guidance and direction of a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer, monitor individuals under supervision compliance by making telephone contacts, reviewing written monthly reports, assisting with computer forensics, and reviewing computer usage via remote software. Report noncompliance issues to a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer.
- Under the guidance of a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer, assist administratively with the supervision of a low-risk caseload by monitoring for non-compliant behavior of persons under supervision who are not required to make monthly personal contact with the probation office and completing case paperwork as required. These duties may include answering individuals under supervision questions, tracking individuals under supervision’s monthly report, and investigating noted changes, transmitting letters to individuals under supervision, maintaining chronological entries in PACTS, conducting financial and criminal records checks, maintaining case files, and communicating non-compliance issues to a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer.
- Maintains original Monthly Treatment Reports (MTRs) and logs and copies of program plans in DAC/MH files and distributes copies of MTRs and logs to probation officers for client files. Ensures that the Clinical Services Module is accurate for monthly report submission to the Administrative Office. Point of contact for vendor and staff for routine contracts administration questions related to billing, supplies, and file maintenance. Assists the Contracts Administrator and Contracts Team with vendor training by preparing training materials and supply ordering.
- Opens, closes, and updates information into computerized records, including the Probation Automated Case Tracking System (PACTS) and Probation Assistant; researches information from case records and enters into system as appropriate; screens forms completed by officers and officer assistants and requests corrections as needed; and retrieves information from database and generates periodic reports.
- Participates in problem solving at staff meetings with other support staff, officers, and officer assistants; makes constructive suggestions for improvements in work processes to better achieve goals and objectives; and periodically acts as administrative and clerical facilitator to distribute/redistribute work and optimize office support operations as needed.
- Provides general clerical and office support by performing any or all of the following tasks: answers the telephone and takes messages; copies and distributes documents; sends and receives faxes and electronic mail messages; processes travel and expense reimbursement documents; receives and distributes mail; attends meetings and takes minutes; provides backup receptionist help; orders and stores office supplies; and assists probation officers and officer assistants with word processing or other computer issues in the absence of the supervisor.
- Prepare and process forms and documents, ensuring consistency and accuracy among court-supplied documents, officer reports, and related paperwork. Format, type, and edit reports which are reviewed by a probation officer or a supervisory probation officer.
- Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis test materials. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results and inform probation officers of test results. Maintain and mail or transport tests and materials to laboratories for confirmation.
- Assist with the training of new probation officers and probation officer assistants as it relates to operational support procedures and policy.
- Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.
Application Info
Employment is subject to background investigation and verification of information supplied. In one PDF document in the following order, applicants must digitally submit:
- A letter of interest with the Job Code listed;
- A resume;
- The Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78 [version 5/24]), including Question Numbers 19, 20, and 21 in the Optional Background Information Section of the Application on Page 5 of 5.
- Copies of their two most recent completed and signed performance evaluations
- Electronic official college transcripts* (this can be emailed to the email address below separately). *Official college transcripts are not required for internal candidates.
Application materials will not be considered complete until all the items listed above have been received by Human Resources. Illegible or incomplete or partially completed application materials will not be considered. Do not submit the same application materials more than once. It is required that you submit your application materials as a single PDF document via e-mail to: CANP_Resumes@canp.uscourts.gov. Official college transcripts can be emailed by the college to the email listed or emailed to CANP_Resumes@canp.uscourts.gov. All other application materials received by mail, fax, or any other means other than by e-mail to CANP_Resumes@canp.uscourts.gov will not be considered.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.