What are the responsibilities and job description for the U.S. Probation Officer position at U.S. Courts?
Duties
Probation officers conduct the investigation and management of alleged criminal offenders or convicted 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 for officer safety, and use of self-defense tactics. Daily, 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 suspected or convicted of committing Federal offenses.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a background investigation, medical examination, and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, 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, and may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluation.
The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial officers and officer assistants are available for public review at https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/probation-and-pretrial-services/officers-and-officer-assistants.
Qualifications
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 federal 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 federal law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or 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 and three years of specialized experience*, or completion of a Juris Doctor degree or a master's degree in a field study closely related to the position such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or business or public administration. This provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position and is required for all U. S. Probation Officer positions in the Southern District of Mississippi.
[*Progressively responsible experience gained after completion of a bachelor's in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations or work in substance or addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience is not creditable.]
Additional information
The U. S. Probation Office falls within the Judicial Branch of the U. S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under "Excepted Appointment" and are considered "At-Will" employees. Benefits include participation in the Federal Employees' Retirement System which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program, Federal Employees' Health Benefits, Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401 K plan with employer matching contributions), paid holidays and annual and sick leave accrual. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payment of net pay.
A computerized test is required for all qualified candidates.
Candidates must be citizens of the United States of America or be eligible to work in the United States.
Disclosures:
The United States Probation Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this vacancy announcement, or fill multiple positions from this vacancy announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date without prior written notice. The United States Probation Office requires employees to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. The Court will not reimburse candidates for travel in connection with interviews or pay for any relocation expenses. We appreciate your interest in employment with our district.
~THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
Benefits
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Testing, and Interview are also assessed.
Benefits
Review our benefits
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
- Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment Form AO78 which can be found at https://www.mssp.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities,
- Cover Letter, and
- Resume.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment Form AO78 which can be found at https://www.mssp.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities, cover letter, and resume via email (PDF format) to: mssp_jobs@mssp.uscourts.gov listing Vacancy Announcement 25-6 USPO in the subject line. The position is open until filled.
Agency contact information
Human ResourcesEmailmssp_jobs@mssp.uscourts.govAddressUS Probation and Pretrial Services - Mississippi Southern
501 E. Court Street
Suite 1.550
Jackson, MS 39201
USNext steps
Qualified applicants will be notified for testing. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews and only those interviewed will receive a response. Applicants must travel at their own expense. Relocation expenses are not reimbursable.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
- Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment Form AO78 which can be found at https://www.mssp.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities,
- Cover Letter, and
- Resume.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This posting is open until filled. Multiple positions may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
