United States Pretrial Services Officer

To be considered the applicant must follow the application procedures

United States pretrial services agency

Eastern District of Michigan

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is located in the Pretrial Services Agency, reporting directly to the assigned Supervising Pretrial Services Officer.  By statute, Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and assist in the administration of justice and promote community safety, gather information, supervise defendants, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, conduct investigations, and present recommendations to the Court. 

Pretrial Services Officers may frequently work outside the normal business hours.  Regular travel within the District is required.  Occasional travel outside of the District may be required.  See Law Enforcement Officer Conditions for Employment for additional information. 

The successful candidate will be required to participate and successfully complete the six (6) week Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy (FPPA) training program located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston, South Carolina.  FLETC may require that all officers be fully vaccinated prior to attending the academy. 

The Court maintains offices in Detroit (headquarters), Ann Arbor, Bay City, Flint, and Port Huron.  Officers are currently located in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bay City, and Flint.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations, which require interviewing persons under supervision 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, and include Monographs, and relevant case law.
• Track developments in the law, and update staff and the Court. Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with persons under supervision through office and community contacts and by telephone. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sex offenses, and similar problems and implement the necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment, monitoring, and counseling.
• Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results. Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Respond to judicial officer's request for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and (if warranted) 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. Responsible for enforcement of location monitoring conditions ordered by the Court.  Responsible for home confinement conditions ordered by the Court.
• Assess risk level of persons under supervision and develop a blend of controlling and correcting risk management strategies.
• Participation in on-going training and education opportunities to further develop and/or enhance techniques and skills relating to investigation of persons under supervision and supervision practices.
• Communicate with other organizations and persons (such as the Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning the behavior of persons under supervision and conditions of supervision. Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepare written reports of violation matters and make recommendations for disposition. Testify at court hearings.  Guide the work of staff providing administrative and technical assistance to officers.
• Guide, advise, train, and make recommendations to other officers, the Court, and other individuals regarding their designated area of specialty. Perform investigative and supervision responsibilities for persons under supervision with specialized situations or needs. May supervise persons under supervision who are in witness protection programs.
• May assist and perform as back-up to Senior Pretrial Service Officers.  Perform administrative duties regarding area of specialty.  Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications must be met at the time of the application.

Required: 

A 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, or other closely related field which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position.

In addition to meeting education requirements, candidates must also possess the following:

• To qualify for the CL 27 Level: A minimum of two (2) years of specialized experience; or completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position.
• To qualify for the CL 28 Level: A minimum of two (2) years of specialized experience.

The successful candidate must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:  Good writing and communication skills. Possess sound ethics and judgment.  Have the ability to organize and prioritize work assignments, work under pressure of short deadlines, and have the ability to work harmoniously with others in a team-oriented work environment.  Be proficient in problem solving and identifying alternative solutions and possess the ability to make timely and effective decisions.   

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, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology or mental health treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Preferred: 

Minimum of two (2) years of experience related to the investigation, supervision and/or counseling of clients in a community corrections environment, human relations field, or social work environment. 

Law enforcement officer conditions of employment

Probation and pretrial services officers and assistants may not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment.   The selected candidate must pass a medical exam and drug screen prior to appointment.  The selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year background investigation and every five years thereafter will be subject to an updated investigation. In addition, as conditions of employment, the selected candidate will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, and, as deemed necessary by management, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. 

The duties of Pretrial Officers require the investigation and management of convicted individuals who present physical danger to pretrial officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of clients, 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. On a daily basis, Pretrial 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants must submit a single PDF document to apply@MIED.uscourts.gov with:

• Cover letter (include vacancy number and preferred duty station) detailing your qualified and preferred skills
• Resume
• A copy of your most recent performance evaluation
• Completed application Form AO-78

NOTE: Applicants are required to complete the Optional Background Information section on page 5 of the application Form AO-78. 

Application materials that do not adhere to this procedure may not be considered. Applicant materials submitted in addition to the required documents will not be considered or retained.  Separate applications must be made to individual vacancy announcements.  Only candidates selected for the next step of the selection process will be contacted.  A writing assessment may be administered.  Travel reimbursement in connection with the selection process and/or relocation is not authorized.

BENEFITS

Local (when/where available):  Federal Court employees receive local benefits outlined here.   

National: Federal Court employees receive national benefits outlined here.