U.S. Probation / Pretrial Services Officer at U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, Western District of Michigan

U.S. Probation / Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice. Incumbents promote community safety, gather information, conduct investigations, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, present recommendations to the court, and supervise and monitor persons under federal supervision. The Western District of Michigan is headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI., with brand offices in Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Marquette, MI. This vacancy may be filled at any of the district's office locations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the court with recommendations, which requires interviewing defendants/persons under supervision 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.

• Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with defendants and persons under supervision, including community contact. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence and similar problems and implement the necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment monitoring, and counseling.

• Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepare written reports of violation matters, and make recommendations for disposition. 

• Review and resolve disputed issues involving defendants/persons under supervision and present unresolved issues to the court for resolution. Assess persons under supervision/defendants’ level of risk and develop a blend of risk management strategies for controlling and correcting risk.

• Respond to judicial officer’s requests for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications. Serve as a resource to the court.

• Communicate and consult with other organizations, including law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims, Bureau of Prisons, treatment agencies and community resources.

• Regular use of information technology, automated equipment, electronic case management/filing systems, and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other investigative databases.

• Responsible for enforcement of location monitoring conditions ordered by the court.

• May conduct surveillance and/or search and seizure at the direction of the court.

• Regular travel within the district and occasional travel outside the district for ongoing professional development and training.

• Evening and weekend work is required for supervision activities and/or mission critical tasks.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 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.

To Qualify for CL-25, the selected candidate must have:

One (1) year of specialized experience; Or Completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and an overall “B” grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0.

To Qualify for CL-27, the selected candidate must have:

Two (2) years of specialized experience; Or Completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

To Qualify for CL-28, the selected candidate must have:

Two (2) years of specialized experience;

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, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

View our full vacancy announcement on our employment page: https://www.miwp.uscourts.gov/employment