Job Details

United States Probation Officer Assistant

The United States Probation Office, Northern District of Iowa, is accepting applications for a United States Probation Officer Assistant in the Sioux City, Iowa, Probation Office.

Responsibilities:

The duties specified herein are intended to provide generalized examples of the major duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a U.S. Probation Officer Assistant and are largely summarized to include providing officer assistance and support of both an operational and/or administrative capacity (within any or multiple units, as assigned) generally related to officer investigation and/or supervision activities. In such, tasks will be assigned based on district need and may be periodically adjusted throughout position tenure.

Greet visitors and clients in person or on the telephone, answering routine questions, responding to and processing over-the-counter inquiries, and mindfully directing visitors and callers to the appropriate person for additional assistance. With direction from probation officers or support staff, sets up case files and/or folders; prepares reports, orders, and other documents essential to all probation units (pretrial, presentence, and supervision). Prepares letters, memoranda, recurring reports, and forms in accordance with policy and procedure. Composes routine correspondence for officers. Scans and uploads file documents as necessary. Performs data entry related to case related activity and sentencing information. Ensures quality of data entry. Receives, prioritizes, processes, and routes incoming and outgoing mail. Assists in basic administrative tasks (as assigned) such as: preparing data reports and collecting information; developing spreadsheets and PowerPoints; receiving and identifying property for dispersal or disposal; organizing and tracking office supplies; SharePoint upkeep; and general office assistance type tasks. Assists probation officers in the performance of pretrial and/or presentence investigations and/or supervision activities, such as: compiling and evaluating criminal histories/profiles; arranging, interviewing, prepping and/or writing various reports and legal documents; maintaining file information; conducting inquiries with collateral agencies; urine collection/sweat patch application; compiling, analyzing, and evaluating information gathered in the case planning process; assisting with general case related inquiries; etc. Provides officers with verifiable and supportable documentation to assist in case related activities, including completion of probation and pretrial reports. May investigate employment/sources of income, lifestyle and associates to help verify, assess risk, and compliance factors. May assist officers with preparation for Court hearings and testify as needed. Assist probation officers in the maintenance of various programs related to: community service work, substance abuse, evidence-based practices, location monitoring, monetary fee oversight, and various other district projects or initiatives. Assist with district research projects to include data collection and organization. May supervise lower risk clients and coordinate office visits in addition to field-based home and collateral contacts. With supervisory oversight, assists in the application of effective supervision strategies to evoke client change while focusing on supervisee condition compliance to best serve and protect the community. Participate in the officer safety program as required. Participate in ongoing training and development with the goal of obtaining/maintaining advanced techniques related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities most effective to assigned tasks. Performs related duties and all other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Conditions of Employment: Mandatory evenings and weekend work is required for supervision activities and/or mission critical tasks. Some training and travel, including overnight stays, is required. May be required to work more than 40 hours per week in order to meet job requirements and deadlines. Overtime pay is not authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Pursuant to Judicial Conference policy, all final applicants for officer and officer assistant positions will undergo a drug screening and medical examination by Public Health Service physicians or other Federal Occupational Health approved physicians using the medical guidelines developed by Federal Occupational Health, Law Enforcement Medical Program. This could take several weeks. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determined by the court. A full background investigation will be completed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) once the incumbent has entered onto duty as a provisional hire. If the OPM report reflects any findings of a negative nature or disqualifying actionable issues, suitability will be reconsidered by the Chief District Judge and the Chief U.S. Probation Officer and continued employment as a U.S. Probation Officer Assistant could be terminated. All appointments subject to FBI Fingerprint background investigation; with periodic reinvestigation, if applicable. In addition, employees 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 also subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer for payment of net pay.

Qualifications:

Required Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): Probation, Pretrial Services and Law Enforcement: Knowledge of probation and parole processes and procedures, court processes, and legal terminology. Knowledge of the criminal justice system including the interrelationships between the federal courts, federal probation, and various law enforcement agencies. General knowledge of available community resources. Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other similar activities. Basic knowledge of techniques used in supervising offenders and basic knowledge of sentencing guidelines. Basic skill in assisting probation officers with supervision of offenders in selected low risk cases, risk assessment, and developing appropriate alternatives and sanctions to non-compliant behavior. Ability to organize, prioritize, compile and summarize work within established time frames. Ability to follow safety procedures. Ability to work under pressure of short deadlines and follow detailed instructions accurately. Judgment and Ethics: Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment. Written and Oral Communication/Interaction: Ability to interact and communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with people of diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement and collateral agency personnel at different governmental levels, community service providers, and offenders/defendants. Ability to interview and gather needed information. Written communication for presentation to judicial officers is reviewed by a skilled probation officer. Information Technology and Automation: Skill in the use of automated equipment including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, and various other types of software. Ability to use computer software and database systems to perform record checks, record urinalysis results, compile criminal history information, and similar activities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications (for CL-26): Completion of 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. Fluency in Spanish. Previous experience in community corrections and/or working knowledge of evidence-based practices as it relates to corrections. Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Apple products. A thorough knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and proper grammar usage. Excellent time management skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to organize work in fast paced, high-volume office.

Medical Requirements: The duties of U.S. Probation Officer Assistants require investigation and management of alleged criminal offenders or convicted offenders who may present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these offenders, these duties could 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, Officer Assistants may 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 Officer Assistants must effectively deal with physical attacks, and are subject to moderate arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable of effectively performing these duties and are subject to fitness for duty examinations. Vision and hearing must also be adequate to perform the duties listed safely and effectively.

The duties of U.S. Probation Officer Assistants require investigation and management of alleged criminal offenders or convicted offenders who may present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these offenders, these duties could 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, Officer Assistants may 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 Officer Assistants must effectively deal with physical attacks, and are subject to moderate arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable of effectively performing these duties and are subject to fitness for duty examinations. Vision and hearing must also be adequate to perform the duties listed safely and effectively.

Maximum Entry Age: This is classified as a federal law enforcement hazardous duty position. As such, you will be subject to mandatory retirement by the age of 57. Additionally, you will be eligible for retirement after 20 years of service (at the age of 50) or after 25 years of service (at any age). Therefore, first-time appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants age 37 or over who have previous law enforcement experience under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement position may have their previous law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.