Supervising U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer (Post Conviction Supervision)

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Job Specifications
Classification Level: 
CL 29/30
Salary Range: 
$98,260-$188,757
Location: 
Lancaster
Opening Date: 
Monday, July 7, 2025
Closing Date: 
Open Until Filled (preference given to applications received by July 22, 2025)
Number of Positions: 
1
Vacancy Number: 
25-27
Job Type: 
Full Time
Position Overview: 

The United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office is recruiting for the position of Supervisory U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer (SUSPO) in the post conviction division who is member of the management team reporting directly to the Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer. The SUSPO administratively and technically supervises a unit of officers who serve in a judiciary law enforcement position by assisting in the administration of justice and promoting community safety.  This SUSPO oversees a post conviction unit at the assigned duty location. Subsequent to conclusion of the interview process, a ranked list of qualified candidates will be established for selecting a Supervising U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer. The qualified list of ranked candidates will expire 180 days following its creation. Candidates selected to be ranked will be notified by a member of the Court’s Human Resources Office.

The Central District of California serves seven counties and has 28 authorized district judgeships, 12 senior judges, and 24 magistrate judges. The Probation and Pretrial Services Office consists of more than 280 employees spread among 11 office locations. Staff includes probation and pretrial services officers and clerical support positions. The workload in the district entails supervision of over 10,000 defendants, probationers, parolees, and persons on supervised release and the preparation of approximately 3,000 presentence investigations annually.

Representative Responsibilities: 
As a supervisor, the main duties will be to:
• Plan work to be accomplished by staff and be a role model for excellence in pretrial/probation supervision.
• Provide leadership in the development of alternate release recommendations and utilization of community resources.
• Audit and reviews supervision work to include evaluating reports, case records and correspondence to ensure adherence to existing policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Determine the adjustment of individuals under supervision in consultation with the assigned officer.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Perform supervisor functions such as handling staff issues, carrying out disciplinary actions when required, completing performance evaluations, and managing workflow.
• Clearly communicate expectations and motivate and help employees develop their capabilities to their maximum potential, including providing on-going training.
• Conduct unit meetings and serve as a communication catalyst and link between staff and Administration.
• Review relevant 9th Circuit case law and succinctly summarize and disseminate analysis of the relevant law to officers and unit.
• Develop cooperative relationships with other agencies; act as a liaison with Federal, State and local law enforcement, and social welfare agencies.
• Work closely with fellow supervisors to facilitate workflow and to maintain a collaborative team environment.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required by the Executive Management Team.

 

Skills/Qualifications: 

To qualify for the position of SUSPO, applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years as a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Officer. The successful candidate must have the following: a broad knowledge of the criminal justice system; a comprehensive understanding of federal pretrial services, probation and parole legal requirements, policies and procedures; a thorough knowledge of investigative, post-conviction and pretrial techniques; a familiarity with a wide variety of resources; superior communication skills, both verbal and written; the ability to organize and work under deadlines; the ability to exercise sound judgement, analyze situations and determine appropriate solutions to problems; the ability to be flexible and adapt to unanticipated needs and problems; the leadership skills required to lead and motivate a staff and provide counseling and training as required; the ability to maintain confidentiality and interact tactfully with a wide variety of individuals; and the ability to work as part of a team.

Expert knowledge of resources available. Substantial experience developing court correspondence, attending violation hearings and court hearings. The successful applicant must have strong skills in conflict management, project management, organizational/time management, problem-solving, showing initiative, working independently, cultivating teamwork, professional ethics, thinking creatively, analyzing information and making recommendations.

First-time appointees to positions covered under federal law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants age 37 or over who have previous federal law enforcement officer experience under 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.

The selected candidate must complete the Federal Judicial Center’s New Supervisors’ Development Program within one year of being offered the position or when available. To qualify for a CL30, the candidate must have been in a CL29 position for a minimum of one year. If the selected candidate is currently at a CL28 level, he/she will be promoted to a CL29 upon selection and will then be eligible for a promotion to a CL30 after one year at a CL29. This position is subject to a two-year probationary period, which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer.

Benefits: 
In addition to salary, the federal government’s benefits equate to no less than 33% of an employee’s total compensation (see Total Compensation sample below). 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. Paid parental leave after meeting eligibility requirements. Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program on eligible student loans. Commuter subsidies for public transportation to and from work. Extensive online training options and in-person training and professional conferences, funds permitting.
Employer Provided Benefits - Total Compensation Approximation Sample (For Illustration Purposes Only)
Sample Annual Salary
$  60,000.00
Retirement Benefits
$  17,760.00
Health/Life Insurance & Commuter Reimbursement
$  15,494.00
Paid Time-Off (Holidays & Accrued Leave)
$    8,538.00
Total Compensation
$101,792.00

 

Information for Applicants: 
This position is subject to a two-year probationary period, which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer.  During the probationary period, the employee will not have recourse through the Probation and Pretrial Services Office’s Adverse Action Policy or the Grievance Policy.  However, the employee may have recourse under the U.S. District Court, Central District of California Probation and Pretrial Services Office’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan and Employee Dispute Resolution (EDR) Plan.  In addition, applicants must have completed the Federal Judicial Center’s New Supervisors’ Development Program within one year of being offered the position or as soon as the Program is otherwise available.  The selected applicant may not request an intra-district transfer for a minimum of two years from the effective date of the promotion. To qualify for a CL30, you must have been in a CL29 position for a minimum of one year.  (If the selected applicant is currently at a CL28 level, he/she will be promoted to a CL29 upon selection and will then be eligible for a promotion to a CL30 after one year at a CL29.)
 
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.
 
Law Enforcement Officer Classification
The position is classified as law enforcement by statute. As a condition of employment, incumbents will be subject to ongoing random and reasonable suspicion drug screenings, updated background investigations every five years and as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. At the Chief Probation and Pretrial Services Officer's discretion, the most recent reinvestigation report completed on behalf of the applicant may be requested.
 
Application Process: 
Applications should be submitted to apply_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov. Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference vacancy number #25-27. Complete applications must include the following:
1. Cover Letter – Address how your background, skills, and experience meet the qualifications listed
2. Resume – Include key career accomplishments
3. Two (2) Most Recent Performance Evaluations 
4. For External Applicants Only: An application for Federal Branch Employment (AO78) (please visit the Court’s website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov to download the AO78 application form).
 
This recruitment is for a position considered “high-sensitive.” To determine suitability for the position, applicants must provide criminal history information on the Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (AO78). Therefore, all questions requesting criminal history information must be answered even if identified as optional. This requirement also applies to any other employment-related forms when requested.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be interviewed. Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview. Unfortunately, the Court is unable to reimburse applicants for any travel or parking costs.
 
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
 
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT AND PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICE
IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER