United States Probation Officer
What you'd do
By statute, probation and pretrial services officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and assist in the administration of justice. Officers promote community safety, gather information, supervise defendant/offenders during traditional and non-traditional hours, interact with other agencies, conduct investigations, prepare reports, and present recommendations to the court.
Major duties
United States Probation Officers perform a full range of duties and responsibilities including but not limited to, the following: Representative post-conviction supervision duties: Supervises individuals to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and to provide correctional treatment as necessary. Develops and implements supervision plans. Contacts persons under supervision through office and community visits and by telephone. Investigates employment/sources of income, lifestyle and associates, which will help to assess risk and compliance factors. Responsible for detection of substance abuse and implementing the necessary treatment or violation proceedings when appropriate. Communicates with other relevant stakeholders concerning the behavior of persons under supervision and their conditions of supervision. Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions; reports violations to the appropriate authorities. Prepares reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines. Makes recommendations to the court concerning disposition. Testifies at revocation hearings. Representative presentence investigation duties: Investigates, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for sentencing of individuals in the court, which requires interviewing defendants and their families, as well as collecting background data from various sources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law. Submits presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court. Responds to judicial officers' requests for information and advice. Analyzes any objections to the presentence report and determines appropriate course of action, including resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
What you need to qualify
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, in a field of study involving criminal justice, psychology, sociology, human relations, social work, business, public administration, or related field. Must have two years of specialized experience or a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position or a Juris Doctorate degree. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 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, custodial, or security officer, other than that which includes specific criminal investigative experience, is not creditable. COURT- PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree in the fields listed previously under Specialized Experience or Juris Doctorate Excellent problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills Excellent oral and written communication skills The ability to analyze relevant information and prepare an accurate written summary of technical information in an organized, objective, clear and concise manner. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS: Successful candidates must be mature and highly organized; must possess tact, good judgment, poise, and initiative; and must always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. The ability to meet the public, work harmoniously with others and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required.
Before you apply
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