U.S. Probation Officer - Brownsville, Texas

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas • Brownsville, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Probation Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking qualified candidates for the position of U.S. Probation Officer in its Brownsville, Texas division. This role is part of the federal judiciary and involves assisting in the administration of justice by gathering information, supervising offenders, interacting with collateral agencies, preparing reports, conducting investigations, and presenting recommendations to the court. Officers may also guide the work of other staff. The position is contingent upon receiving sufficient funding.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an overall "B" GPA (2.90+ out of a possible 4.0) for Entry Level Probation Officer Position.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience with client-based case work, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in mental health/substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, or psychology for Experienced Probation Officer Position.
• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize, oversee, and complete multiple projects simultaneously, with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidences, exercise mature judgment, and work harmoniously with others.
• Dependability, with a commitment to regular attendance.
• Possess knowledge of court operations.
• Working knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite (including Word and Excel), Adobe Acrobat, WordPerfect and Windows is required.
• Must be physically and medically qualified before becoming a U.S. Probation Officer.
• First time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment.
• Must undergo an extensive OPM background investigation and drug screening.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or able to prove that they are actively seeking citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Official job description for higher level probation officer positions if applying for a higher level.
• Previous law enforcement experience under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (may affect maximum entry age calculation).

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the court.
• Interview offenders/defendants and their families and collect background data from various sources.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and statutes; Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines; Monographs; and relevant case law, as applicable.
• Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies.
• Maintain personal contact with defendants and offenders.
• Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance.
• Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems, working with appropriate specialists to implement necessary treatment or violation proceedings.
• Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests and DNA collection of offenders/defendants, following established procedures and protocols.
• Maintain paper and computerized records of test results and chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials.
• Respond to judicial officers' 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.
• Maintain detailed written records of case activity.
• Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities and take appropriate action.
• Interview victim(s) and provide victim impact statements to the court.
• Ensure compliance with Mandatory Victims Restitution Act.
• Enforce home confinement conditions ordered by the court, and perform home confinement reintegration on behalf of the Bureau of Prisons, as applicable.
• Review and resolve disputed issues involving offenders/defendants and present unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
• Assess offenders'/defendants' level of risk and develop a blend of risk management strategies for controlling and correcting risk.
• Provide offenders/defendants with information on local resources and programs regarding employment, GED certification assistance, ongoing education, and vocational training.
• Identify interests, aptitudes, and abilities of offenders/defendants through interviewing and gathering appropriate information.
• Work with offenders/defendants toward integration into the job market through cross-training, mentoring, and the use of up-to-date technology.
• Communicate with other organizations and personnel concerning offenders'/defendants' behavior and conditions of supervision.
• Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions.
• Discuss violations with Supervisory Officer.
• Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities.
• Prepare written reports of violation matters, and make recommendations for disposition.
• Conduct Parole Commission preliminary interviews.
• Guide the work of staff providing administrative and technical assistance to officers.

Benefits

• 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with service thereafter.
• 13 sick days accrued per year.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Federal pension plan.
• Matching contributions on the first 5% of pay contributed to the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K).
• Choice of a variety of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans.
• Optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.
• Flexible spending account to pay out-of-pocket health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses with tax-free dollars.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level