Probation and Pretrial Services Technician

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Job Specifications
Classification Level: 
CL 25
Salary Range: 
$52,893 – $85,995
Location: 
Multiple Locations
Opening Date: 
Monday, September 18, 2023
Closing Date: 
Open Until Filled (preference given to applications received by October 4, 2023)
Number of Positions: 
One or more
Vacancy Number: 
23-53
Job Type: 
Full Time
Position Overview: 

The United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office is recruiting for the position of Probation and Pretrial Services Technician.  This position is in the probation and pretrial services office of the district court and reports to a Supervisory Probation and Pretrial Services Officer.  The Probation and Pretrial Services Technician provides specialized technical and administrative support to officers in the monitoring of defendants and offenders.  This position also assists with conducting investigations, compiling criminal histories, collection of documentation and reports, coordinating with collateral agencies, and performing similar duties under the guidance of a probation and pretrial services officer.  In addition, acts as a backup for secretarial support, such as filing, copying, scanning, processing, and distributing mail, inputting data, answering phones, typing, formatting, assembling reports, and greeting visitors.

Representative Responsibilities: 

Responsibilities include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Enters supervision case file and statistical data into automated databases, including ATLAS.
  • Contact various local, state, other federal districts and national law enforcement and regulatory agencies to collect and record information to assist with investigations.
  • Obtain related records regarding defendants and offenders, following established practices and protocols.
  • Assist probation officers in compiling criminal histories/profiles, running record checks through local and national databases and files, conducting inquiries with collateral agencies and community service agencies, collect verifiable and supportable documentation (i.e., MSRs), and performing similar activities.  Enter data and information into the agency’s computerized database system (i.e., Chronological Record, CLETS, PACTSECM).  Forwards delinquency letters to offenders when necessary.
  • Maintains defendant/offender list for each officer, updating monthly to ensure accuracy of officers’ caseload and track case plans, expirations, and other necessary record checks.
  • Open, close and update case information into computerized records, including PACTS.  Research information from case records and enter into the system in the appropriate location.  Retrieve information from databases and generate reports.  Scan and create PDF files, enter data, and uploads documents into PACTS as required.
  • Prepare and process forms and documents, ensuring consistency and accuracy among court-supplied documents, officer reports, and related paperwork.  Contact various local, state, and national law enforcement and regulatory agencies to collect and record information to assist with investigations.  Obtain related records regarding defendants and offenders, following established practices and protocols.
  • Prepare and update case files and reports investigation and supervision, at the direction of an officer and in accordance with established policies and practices.  Format, type, and edits reports or court letters prepared by officers or through the use of Fastrack.
  • Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials, paper and computerized records of test results and inform officer of test results, mail materials to laboratories for confirmation, and inventory of supplies.
  • Where applicable, may assist office or officers with non-English speaking offenders, family members, and witnesses in translating, including translating documents and correspondence.
  • Fingerprints offenders as directed by the officer for posting of FBI Flash Notice.
  • Monitors release dates of BOP inmate cases as directed by probation officer.
  • Verifies financial balances for restitution or fines through contact with District Court Clerk’s office or other districts.
  • Conducts ChoicePoint financial investigations and request credit check investigations as directed by officers.
  • Enters, analyzes, maintains, and produces accurate data in various automated and manual systems.  Data may include fines, restitutions, special assessments, urine analysis, and drug/mental health appointments.
  • Assist with general office coverage duties such as, but not limited to, reception duties and general clerical work.
  • Complete a mandatory 20 hours annually of work-related training; attends seminars and workshops to enrich job skills.
  • Assist with officer training programs.
  • Update agency forms and platforms.
  • Perform other representative duties as assigned.
Skills/Qualifications: 
  • Knowledge of the roles and functions of the federal probation office; practices and procedures used in probation and court processes, including administrative requirements to support these activities.
  • Knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and relationships among the federal courts, U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other organizations.
  • Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems utilized by Probation Office employees available for conducting background/record checks, criminal histories, other similar information (i.e., PACTS, CLETS, etc.), urinalysis results to compile information, and complete similar activities, as instructed.
  • Knowledge in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, and various other types of software.
  • Ability to identify and resolve unusual problems for resolution, or referral to probation officers.
  • Knowledge of the Bail Reform Act, legal terminology, investigative techniques, supervising offender techniques, and sentencing guidelines.
  • Skill in assisting officers in supervising lower-risk offenders in selected cases, conducting risk assessments, and developing appropriate alternatives and sanctions to non-compliant behavior. 
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, compile, and summarize work within established timeframes and work under pressure on short deadlines while accurately following safety and detailed procedures.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
  • Ability to interview and gather required information, interact, and communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with people of diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement and collateral agency personnel at different levels, community service providers, attorneys and offenders and their families/support systems in the supervision and investigation unit.

Additional Information:

The primary focus of the job is to assist probation and pretrial services officers in the performance of their duties, by participating in the investigation and supervision of select cases.  Under the direction of a supervisor or senior officer, incumbents assist defendants and offenders with some case related matters, collect and compile varied and technical information. The position performs routine, less complicated tasks which allow for more efficient case management, permitting probation and pretrial services officers to concentrate their time on high level tasks.

This position makes recommendations and some decisions regarding the investigation and supervision of a select lower-risk caseload of offenders.  Generally, procedures are established and well documented; however, the nature of the work can provide unique challenges not covered by established procedures.  The incumbent may make some independent decisions in carrying out administrative assignments; however decision-making regarding investigation and case management is limited.  Unusual circumstances or issues are brought to a supervisor or senior officer before action is taken.  While the work assignments are completed independently, the work is reviewed for completeness and accuracy by a probation and pretrial services officer.

The primary judiciary contacts are probation staff, judicial officers, and staff of other court units for the purpose of conducting research and investigation and maintaining accurate and up-to-date information in case files.

The primary external contacts are defendants, offenders, their families, employees of collateral agencies (i.e., local law enforcement offices, U.S. Attorney’s Office, etc.) for the purpose of assisting probation officers in the supervision and investigation of offenders.  Employees may also have contact with vendors for the purpose of maintaining an inventory of supplies.  Occasionally, the incumbent may interact with defendants, offenders and their families within the office for translation purposes, and the general public to provide or obtain assistance or to exchange information.

Work is performed in an office setting during normal business hours.  Work requires contact with persons of diverse and potentially violent backgrounds.  Some lifting and carrying of items under 25 pounds.

Benefits: 

Federal employees are entitled to federal benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts.  Participation in a defined benefit plan the Federal Employees Retirement System-Further Revised Annuity Employee (FERS-FRAE), and up to 5% matching contributions on retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).  Generous accrual of paid time vacation and sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year.  Commuter subsidies for public transportation to and from work.  Extensive online training options and in-person training and professional conferences, funds permitting.

Information for Applicants: 

Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with authorization to work in the United States who is currently seeking U.S. citizenship or intending to become a U.S. citizen immediately after meeting the eligibility requirements.  As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI background check.  The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for employees.  The United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees, which is available on the Court’s website: www.cacd.uscourts.gov.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted to apply_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov.  Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference the vacancy number.  Complete applications must include the following:

  • Cover Letter – Address how your background, skills, and experience meet the qualifications listed.
  • Resume – Include key career accomplishments.
  • An application for Federal Judicial Branch Employment (AO78) (please visit the Court’s website at http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/employment to download the AO78 application form).

 

The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.