Probation Services Technician

United States Courts; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Southern Probation Office seeks a Probation Services Technician to provide technical and administrative support to probation officers, including assisting with low-risk supervision, investigations, and documentation. You will handle test administration, data entry in PACTS, and coordination with collateral agencies.

The role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized clerical/administrative experience.
• Two years of specialized experience for placement above Step 1.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lift and move case files.
• Professional, responsible, organized and meticulous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct same gender urinalysis and maintain chain of custody.
• Supervise lower risk offender caseloads with telephonic and in-office contacts.
• Prepare collateral requests, perform records checks, and assist with investigations.
• Enter data into PACTS and interpret information for probation officers.
• Monitor offender compliance via phone and monthly reports.
• Prepare and update case files and reports.
• Assist with transferring cases to other districts.
• Prepare and process documentation to ensure consistency.
• Translate documents for non-English speakers where applicable.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office Suite

PACTS experience

Tools

PACTS system

Office equipment (telephone, copier, scanner)

Job description

Job Details for Probation Services Technician

Court Name/Organization California Southern Probation Office

Overview of the Position The maximum starting salary for this CL 24 position is $58,630. The full salary range for the position is $52,112 - $84,701.Probation Services Technicians provide technical and administrative support to probation officers in a wide range of areas, including assisting with the low-risk supervision caseload, assisting with conducting investigations, compiling criminal histories, coordinating with collateral agencies, conducting urinalysis and performing other similar duties under the guidance of a probation officer.

Representative duties include but are not limited to:

• Conduct same gender urinalysis and maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Maintain records of test results and inform probation officers of test results.
• Supervise lower risk caseloads of offenders which may include telephonic and electronic communication and in office contacts.
• Prepare collateral requests, conduct, and review records checks, conduct and/or initiate investigations, assist with preparing reports to the court, and collecting verifiable and supportable documentation, and performing similar activities to assist probation officers
• Enter data and information into the office's computerized database system (PACTS) and interprets information from PACTS when necessary to assist the probation officers. Communicate with partnering agencies related to such.
• Under the guidance and direction of a probation officer, monitor offender compliance by making telephone contacts and reviewing written monthly reports. Report noncompliance to probation officer.
• Prepare and update case files and reports at the direction of a probation officer and in accordance with established policies and practices
• Assist with the transfer of cases to other districts and/or jurisdictions.
• Prepare and process documentation ensuring consistency and accuracy among court-supplied documents, officer reports, and related documents. Format, type and edit reports which are reviewed by a probation officer.
• Where applicable, may assist officers and non-English speaking offenders/defendants, family members, and witnesses in translating, including translating documents and correspondence
• Performs other related duties as required

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Probation Services Technician, a candidate must have one year of specialized experience (as described below). For placement above Step 1, a candidate must have at least two years of specialized experience.

A successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, ability to work under pressure of short deadlines, ability to organize and prioritize work. Skill in office technology applications such as Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience with PACTS is strongly preferred.

Requirements
Must possess skill in using standard office equipment (telephone, copies, fax machines, scanners, etc.) and be proficient in using office technology applications such as Microsoft Office Suite. The ability to interact and communicate orally and in writing with a variety of people is required. A candidate must be able to lift and move case files.

Personal Characteristics
A successful candidate must be professional, responsible, organized and meticulous. Must also possess strong analytical skills, tact, good judgment, initiative, and the ability to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds.

Additional Information
One female will be selected as they are required to observe collection of urine samples from offenders of the same gender which is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ).

Position is open until filled, applications preferred by Aug. 14, 2026.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens
• A background investigation including fingerprinting and criminal history and credit checks will be conducted as a condition of employment
• All application information is subject to verification
• The court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation
• This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer for payroll direct deposit

U.S. Probation reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, without prior written or other notice. Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position.

U.S. Probation employees serve under “Excepted Appointments” and are considered “at will” employees with the exception of U.S. Probation Officers who are “for cause.” The U.S. Probation Office is a part of the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government. Although comparable to the Executive Branch (civil service) in salary, leave accrual, health benefits, life insurance benefits, and retirement benefits, generally court employees are not subject to the many statutory and regulatory provisions that govern civil service employment.

All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.

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.

Education may not be substituted for specialized experience because operational court support positions require hands‑on experience to be credited as specialized experience.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.