US Probation Officer
Duty Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Work Schedule: Full-Time Permanent
Opening Date: Thursday, January 4, 2018
Closing Date: Open until filled; applications received by 4:30
p.m. CST on Friday, February 2, 2018 will be given preference.
Salary and Classification Range: (depending on experience and qualifications)
CL-25 ($42,150-$67,486)
CL-27 ($48,951-$79,617)
CL-28 ($58,700-$95,388) *future promotion potential to CL-28
without further competition. Current USPO offered as a lateral transfer.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The United States Probation & Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of Arkansas is accepting applications for the position of United States Probation Officer. The Western District of Arkansas is a combined district that encompasses 34 counties and six court divisions. Our district serves three district court judges, four magistrate judges, and one senior district judge. We have divisional offices located in Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, El Dorado, and Texarkana. U.S. Probation Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice, provide community safety, conduct objective investigations, supervise offenders/defendants, interact with outside agencies and community members, and prepare reports and present recommendations to the court.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Conducts investigations and prepares reports for the court with recommendations, which requires interviewing offenders and their families, as well as collecting background data from various sources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures, and may include U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, monographs, and relevant case law. Enforces court-ordered supervision components and implements supervision strategies. Maintains personal contact with offenders. Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Addresses substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems and implements the necessary treatment of violation proceeding through assessment, monitoring, and counseling.
Schedules and conducts drug use detection tests and DNA collection of offenders following established procedures and protocols. Responds to judicial officers’ request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and (if warranted) guideline applications. Serves as a resource to the court. Maintains detailed records of case activity. May conduct surveillance and/or search and seizure at the direction of the court.
Investigates and analyzes financial documents and activities and takes appropriate action. Interviews victim(s) and provides victim impact statements to the court. Ensures compliance with the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act. Responsible for enforcement of home confinement conditions ordered by the court, and in some districts may perform home confinement reintegration on behalf of the Bureau of Prisons.
Analyzes and responds to any objections. This may include resolving disputed issues and presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution. Assesses offenders' level of risk and develops a blend of strategies for controlling and correcting risk management.
Communicates with other organizations and persons (such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning offenders' behavior and conditions of supervision. Identifies and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the s consideration regarding pretrial, presentence, and/or post-conviction supervision issues. Testifies at court or parole hearings.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Applicants must possess a four-year 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, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
In addition to meeting the education requirements, applicants must also have specialized experience in the amounts shown in the table below:
Level Minimum Experience
CL-25
One year of specialized experience equivalent to work as a CL-23; or Completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements:
An overall “B” grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0; Standing in the upper third of the class;
“3.5” average or better in the major field of study, such as business or public administration, human resources management, industrial relations, or psychology;
Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma XI, or one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies; or Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.
CL-27 Two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work as a CL-25;
or
Completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
CL-28 Two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work as a CL-27.
Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelor’s degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment.
Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Two years of specialized experience as defined above.
Knowledge of federal law and the criminal justice system and how it relates to the roles and functions of a U.S. Probation Officer.
Strong familiarity with techniques in supervising defendants. Skill in working with violent and/or difficult individuals and implementing negotiation and motivation techniques.
Excellent written and oral communication, proofing, and grammatical skills. Superior attention to detail. Knowledge of automated/Internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other investigative databases.
PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS
Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, foster high ethical standards, and demonstrate integrity in meeting the district’s vision, mission, and goals.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with individuals of diverse backgrounds including criminal defendants, law enforcement personnel, judicial personnel, and attorneys.
Possess excellent organizational and problem solving skills and be able to prioritize work schedules, work independently with minimal supervision, and work under pressure with short deadlines while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
Desire to contribute to a positive work environment and work harmoniously with others.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKPLACE DRUG TESTING
The duties of probation officers require the investigation and management of convicted criminal offenders who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these offenders, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary to operate a firearm, and use of self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, these officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are convicted of committing federal offenses.
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position is required to undergo an extensive 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 a condition of employment, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. The medical requirements for law enforcement officers are available for public review at www.uscourts.gov.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE
First-time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 or over who have previous law enforcement officer experience under Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees' Retirement System and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may have their previous law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents actively seeking citizenship. Judicial Branch employees are considered "at will" employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required.
A high sensitive background investigation with law enforcement agencies, including fingerprint and criminal record checks, will be conducted as a condition of employment. Any applicant selected for a position will be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the background investigation. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. The selected candidate will be subject to updated background investigations every five years.
BENEFITS
The Federal Judiciary offers a wide range of benefits and choices so employees can create a package that best suits their needs.
Ten (10) paid federal holidays\
Paid annual and sick leave
Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
Tax Deferred Retirement savings and investment plan under Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching contributions
Health benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)
Supplemental Dental and Vision Benefits offered through Federal Employees Vision and Dental Plan (FEDVIP)
Life insurance benefits under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)
Flexible Benefits Program for Health Care Reimbursement and Child Care Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and Work/Life Services
Flexible schedules and telework opportunities
Additional benefit information is available at http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Qualified applicants should submit a complete packet which includes: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a current and detailed resume,
(3) list of references, (4) copy of transcripts for bachelor’s degree and any advanced degree, and (5) a completed Application
for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (Form AO‐78). You may download this form from our website
www.arwp.uscourts.gov. Date of birth and undergraduate GPA must be reported on the application form. Incomplete packets will
not be considered. Applicant materials submitted in addition to the required documents will not be considered or retained.
Attachments must be saved as a single PDF file. Please reference the vacancy announcement number in the subject of the email.
Email your complete packet to: hr@arwp.uscourts.gov.
Qualified applicants will be required to demonstrate analytical and writing skills through comprehensive written examinations. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for testing will be contacted. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense. A preliminary criminal history background check, verification of employment and education, and reference checks will be made prior to any offer of employment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The selected applicant’s employment is contingent upon a commitment to remain employed as a USPO in the Western District of Arkansas for a minimum of three (3) years.
Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available at www.uscourts.gov. The U.S. Probation Office reserves the right to modify the conditions or withdraw this vacancy announcement, or fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which may occur without prior notice. Multiple vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
If a subsequent vacancy of the same position and location becomes available within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Chief U.S. Probation Officer may elect to select a candidate from the original qualified applicant pool.
The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify human resources at hr@arwp.uscourts.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The United States Probation Office for the Western District of Arkansas is an
Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.
Applicants may view the district’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and
Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) Plan on our website at www.arwp.uscourts.gov.