United States Pretrial Services Officer

U.S. Courts•Alpine, TX

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The United States Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of Texas is seeking a Pretrial Services Officer in Alpine, Texas. This role involves assisting the courts by providing objective and verified background information on defendants charged with federal offenses to aid in setting bail conditions. The officer will make recommendations for release or detention, ensuring community safety and court appearance. Defendants are supervised until their case is resolved.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration.
Unquestioned integrity and exemplary character.
Less than 37 years old at time of appointment, unless previous federal law enforcement officer experience under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Two years of specialized experience or completion of the requirements for a master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Specialized Experience is defined as progressively responsible experience as a probation officer, pretrial services officer, or in such fields as parole, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial or security officer, other than criminal investigation experience, is not creditable.
Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degrees and/or academic standing based on grade point average (overall 2.9 or better on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 or better in related major field of study), class ranking (upper third), or membership in a National Honor Society may be creditable for portions of the required specialized experience.
Fluency in English and Spanish is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Conducts thorough investigations, including gathering and verifying background information on defendants charged with federal criminal offenses when they are arrested or summoned to the court.
Gathers background information through interviews with the defendant, arresting authorities, U.S. Attorney's Office, family, and community members.
Evaluates information and prepares a bail report to the federal magistrate judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of risk of nonappearance and danger to the community.
Makes well-supported recommendations to the Court regarding bond options.
Enforces court-ordered supervision components/conditions and implements supervision strategies in accordance with local and national policies. Conditions can include referrals for substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol testing, location monitoring, etc.
Conducts risk assessments on defendants being interviewed.
Supervises defendants being released by the Court.
Makes regular telephone contacts, home visits, and community contacts as required by the conditions of release, national and local policies.
Assists defendants with securing any necessary employment, medical, legal or social services.
Develops appropriate supervision plans for defendants and completes case reviews due monthly.
Conducts criminal record checks quarterly on defendants under supervision to ensure compliance.
Notifies the Court and U.S. Attorney’s Office of violations of pretrial release.
Prepares violation petitions/reports and makes recommendations to the Court regarding all apparent violations of pretrial release conditions.
Maintains accurate case records on each case as required by local and national policies.
Schedules and conducts drug/alcohol use detection tests of defendants under supervision, following established procedures and protocols.
Maintains paper and computerized records of test results.
Maintains compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees and court confidentiality requirements/regulations.
Performs all other related duties as assigned by management.