Job Details for U.S. Probation Officer

• Ability to organize and prioritize work schedule, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure and with short deadlines while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, foster high ethical standards, and demonstrate integrity in meeting the district’s vision, mission, and goals
• Ability to exercise impartiality and discretion with the defendant or offender population and their family/support system
• Ability to routinely work non-traditional hours
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds. This includes defendants, offenders, law enforcement and collateral agency personnel at different government levels, and community service providers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories and other similar information
• Knowledge of and proficiency with current technology, computer databases, and computer applications in a Windows based environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the roles and functions of federal probation and pretrial services and the legal requirements used in probation and pretrial services. Knowledge of how other judicial processes and procedures relate to the officer’s roles and responsibilities.
• An advanced degree in a related field of study is preferred

Education: Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study, such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or 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.

Experience: Minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor’s degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, or corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Education Substitution: Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours), of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position equates to one year of specialized experience. Completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, equates to two years of specialized experience.

Medical Requirements: The duties of probation officers require the investigation and management of convicted criminal offenders who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these offenders, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary to operate a firearm, and use of self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, these officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are convicted of committing Federal offenses.

Prior to appointment, the candidate for this position is required to undergo an extensive 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. Continued employment will be contingent on successful completion of the OPM background investigation. In addition, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening and updated background investigations every five years.

The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial services officers, and officer assistants are available for public review at http://www.uscourts.gov.

Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate or arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable. Officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distance vision in at least one eye and the ability to read normal size print. Normal hearing ability, with or without a hearing aid, is also required. In most instances, the amputation of an arm, hand, leg, or foot will not disqualify an applicant from appointment, although it may be necessary for the applicant to use prosthesis to compensate for the amputation. Any severe health problems, however, such as physical defects, disease, and deformities that constitute employment hazards to the applicant or others, may disqualify an applicant. Examples of health problems that may be disqualifying are untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disability of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizures, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, and marked speech abnormalities.

Maximum Entry Age: First-time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 or over who have previous law enforcement officer experience under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System 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.