U.S. Probation Officer

Missouri Western Probation and Pretrial Services; Springfield (MO); In loco; USD 65.000 - 90.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

United States Courts in the Springfield division invites applications for the position of U.S. Probation Officer in the Western District of Missouri.

The role supports judicial officers by gathering background information, preparing risk assessments, and supervising individuals under court supervision. The incumbent will conduct investigations, prepare presentence reports, interpret sentencing guidelines, and may testify in court.

Competenze

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business, or public administration.

Mansioni

• Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense upon arrest, or concerning persons considered for the pretrial diversion program.
• Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judicial officer prior to a person's initial court appearance with an assessment of the risk of nonappearance and danger to the community, and a recommendation for release or detention according to the Bail Reform Act of 1984 as amended.
• Prepares a report for the U. S. Attorneys Office on persons considered for the pretrial diversion program and supervises persons accepted into the program by monitoring their conditions.
• Conducts investigations and prepares presentence reports for the U.S. District Court with recommendations for sentencing offenders convicted of federal offenses, interviewing defendants and families, investigating the offense, prior record, and financial status, and contacting law enforcement, attorneys, victims, schools, churches, and civic organizations.
• Interprets and applies U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court; testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guidelines applications.
• Supervises defendants and offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and provide correctional treatment.
• Maintains contact with defendants and offenders through office and community visits and by telephone; investigates employment, income sources, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance; refers offenders to outside agencies for treatment, employment, etc.
• Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate sanctions; maintains a detailed written record of case activity.

Formazione

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Descrizione del lavoro

Court Name/Organization Missouri Western Probation and Pretrial Services

Overview of the Position The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, is accepting applications for the position of U.S. Probation Officer in the Springfield division.

The probation officer performs functions that aid judicial officers in making informed decisions on persons charged with and convicted of criminal offenses; and in supervising persons to assure their compliance with the conditions of release. An officer also assists the U.S. Attorney’s Office with its pretrial diversion program. The incumbent’s duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense upon arrest, or concerning persons considered for the pretrial diversion program.
• Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judicial officer prior to a person's initial court appearance with an assessment of the risk of nonappearance and danger to the community, and a recommendation for release or detention according to the factors noted in the Bail Reform Act of 1984 as amended.
• Prepares a report for the U. S. Attorneys Office on persons considered for the pretrial diversion program and supervises persons accepted into the program by monitoring their conditions.
• Conducts investigations and prepares presentence reports for the U.S. District Court with recommendations for sentencing offenders convicted of federal offenses. These reports require interviewing defendants and their families, investigating the offense, prior record, and financial status of the defendant, and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crimes, schools, churches, and civic organizations. The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the defendant’s background, to assess the probability of future criminal behavior; and determine profit from the offense, restitution, and the defendant’s ability to pay fines and costs of prosecution, incarceration, and costs of supervision.
• Interprets and applies U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Following disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyzes any objections and determines appropriate course of action. Such actions include resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
• Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court. Responds to judicial officer’s request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guidelines applications. Serves as resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.
• Supervises defendants and offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and to provide correctional treatment.
• Maintains personal contact with defendants and offenders through office and community visits and by telephone. Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Responsible for detection of substance abuse; and through assessment and counseling, implements the necessary treatment or violation proceedings of appropriate offenders. Refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, employment, and training.
• Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions; conducts preliminary interviews and other investigations as required; and maintains a detailed written record of case activity.
• Initiates contacts with, replies to, and seeks information from organizations and persons such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys concerning offenders’ behavior and sanctions. Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepares reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines. Makes recommendations for disposition. Testifies at court or parole hearings.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business, or public administration.

Specialized Experience

Progressively responsible experience, following completion of a bachelor’s degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment/mental health services.

Physical Requirements and Maximum Entry Age

Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable to do field work and possess a valid driver’s license. First time appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a 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. In addition, as conditions of employment, incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations every five years and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers are available for public review on the U.S. Courts website . Prior to appointment, applicants considered for this position will undergo a full background investigation.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.