Job Details for U.S. Probation Officer

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are preferred.
• Knowledge of the roles and functions of the federal probation and/or pretrial services offices.
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures used in probation/ pretrial services processes, including knowledge of the administrative requirements to support these activities.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to federal Probation and Pretrial Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other similar activities (such as the National Crime Information Center).
• Knowledge of legal terminology. Ability to follow safety procedures. Ability to compile information (such as background checks and criminal histories) within established time frames. Ability to identify and resolve unusual problems for resolution, or referral to probation/pretrial officers.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to work under pressure of short deadlines.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions accurately.

Physical Requirements and Maximum Entry Age

The duties of probation and pretrial services officers require the investigation and management of alleged criminal person(s) under supervision or convicted person(s) under supervision who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of person(s) under supervision, 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, 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 suspected or convicted of committing Federal offenses.

Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate to 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. Any severe health problems, 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 an untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disabilities of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, and marked speech abnormalities. The medical requirements for probation officers are available for public review at http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/probation-and- retrial-services.

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 experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.

Background Investigation, Drug Screening, and Medical Standards

Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo an extensive Office of Personnel Management (OPM) background investigation, medical examination, and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the court. In addition, as condition of employment, probation officers will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations and drug screening. If a provisional hire is authorized, continued employment will be contingent on successful completion of the OPM investigation every five years and, as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations and drug screening.

The selectee for this position is subject to a criminal record check and satisfactory adjudication by the employing office to be eligible for employment. Due to the sensitivity level of this position, candidates may be asked about their criminal history prior to receiving a tentative offer of employment. Candidates completing the AO-78 must complete questions 18-20 regarding their criminal history. Criminal history is not in itself disqualifying. All available information, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, about the reliability and trustworthiness of an individual will be considered when making an employment suitability determination. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process, as well as disciplinary action if discovered after an individual’s date of hire.