What are the responsibilities and job description for the U.S. Probation Officer position at U.S. Courts?
Duties
The United States Probation Office for the Middle District of Georgia is accepting applications for the position of United States Probation and Pretrial Services Officer. The person selected for this position will be responsible for a wide variety of duties relating to the investigation and supervision of individuals charged with and/or convicted of federal crimes. The officer will be responsible for using evidence-based practices to maximize adherence to the court-imposed conditions of supervision, reduce risk to the community and provide correctional treatment and re-entry services. Officers also make recommendations to the Court regarding pretrial release and imposition of sentences. These duties are accomplished through personal interaction with persons under supervision, collateral resources, and treatment providers both in the office and in the community. Officers will supervise persons under supervision convicted with a variety of offenses ranging in severity from misdemeanor cases committed on federal property to violent offenders and sex offenders. The officer is required to maintain a written account of work performed, investigate potential issues or violations, prepare written reports for the Court, and provide recommendations/testimony before the Court in some instances.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Not Applicable
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION OR CLEARANCE
AGE RESTRICTIONS
AGENCY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
DRUG TESTING
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent residents actively seeking citizenship qualify for this position lawful.
Additionally, must be able to demonstrate the following qualities: Capable of treating people with dignity and respect at all times; Possess unquestioned integrity, trust, judgment, and maturity; Demonstrate a commitment to promoting teamwork; Demonstrate sufficient keyboarding/computer skills to be able to produce reports, documents, and correspondence using word processing and other office system technologies; Be flexible and adaptable to change; Able to multi-task, prioritize work, and meet established deadlines.
Qualifications
The duties of U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers require the investigation and management of individuals charged/convicted of federal crimes, some of whom may pose a danger to officers in particular and the public in general. In the supervision, treatment and control of these individuals, these duties may require moderate to arduous physical activity, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity, and coordination necessary to use a firearm and self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, officers may face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals in the federal criminal justice system.
Because officers must be able to protect themselves and are subject to moderate to arduous exertion, candidates must be physically able to perform their duties. Officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distance vision in at least one eye and the ability to read normal size print. Normal hearing ability, with or without a hearing aid, is also required.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
See Qualifications Required and Quality Ranking Factor sections.
Education
EDUCATION:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, human relations, sociology, education, public administration or related field of study is required. At least one year of specialized, progressively responsible experience gained after completion of the Bachelor's degree, in criminal or financial investigations, report writing, probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, counseling, or work in substance abuse/addiction treatment is also preferred.
Additional information
Prior to appointment, the selected officer will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical exam and drug screening, the candidate may be appointed provisionally, pending an extensive background investigation and a determination by the Court as to the suitability to permanently fulfill the duties of the position. In addition, officers are subject to random and on-going drug screening, an updated background investigation every five years, and as deemed necessary by management for probable cause, may be subject to evaluations to determine fitness-for-duty. Officers are subject to a one-year probationary employment period and will be required to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check.
The United States Probation Office is a part of the Judicial Branch of the United States Government. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments (not civil service) and are at will employees. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds transfer for payment of net pay. Employees already serving as a U.S. Probation or Pretrial officer who wish to transfer to the Middle District of Georgia must agree to a term of commitment to the district of a minimum of three (3) years.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Court employees are covered by the Court Personnel System and are entitled to benefits that include participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, choice of several health benefit plans a Flexible Benefit Program (pre-tax contributions for health care and dependent care expenses), life insurance, annual and sick leave, a Long Term Care Plan, periodic salary increases, and the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings) with some matching funds. Benefits include 11 paid holidays per yr.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Quality Ranking Factors
You will be evaluated based upon how well you perform on a skill(s) test related to the requirements of this position.
You will be evaluated based upon the question responses you provide during a structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did, and the outcome.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Court employees are covered by the Court Personnel System and are entitled to benefits that include participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, choice of several health benefit plans a Flexible Benefit Program (pre-tax contributions for health care and dependent care expenses), life insurance, annual and sick leave, a Long Term Care Plan, periodic salary increases, and the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings) with some matching funds. Benefits include 11 paid holidays per yr.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
Interested persons should submit an application packet to include:
A cover letter and resume;
Application for Judicial Employment Form AO 78 which may be found at www.gamp.uscourts.gov under Professionals tab, Employment with USPO;
Copy of college transcript for all degrees; and
Narrative addressing the Quality Ranking Factors as noted below:
1) Describe your qualifications, skills, and abilities that are relevant to the field of pretrial and probation services.
2) Describe why you would like to become a United States Probation Officer for the Middle District of Georgia
All documents in the application packet are to be submitted in .pdf format no later than 4:00 PM EST on Friday, May 23, 2025, to hr@gamp.uscourts.gov with the subject line reading Probation Officer Job #25-03 (last name, first name, middle initial).
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
A cover letter and resume; Application for Judicial Employment Form AO 78 found at https://www.gamp.uscourts.gov/career-opportunities-1; Copy of college transcript for all degrees
Narrative addressing the Quality Ranking Factors.
Email as one .pdf to HR@gamp.uscourts.gov
Agency contact information
Shekinnah BushPhone4787528106EmailHR@gamp.uscourts.govAddressU.S. Probation Office
433 Walnut Street
Macon, Georgia 31201
USNext steps
Tier I Resume Packets Reviewed: Each applicants resume packet will be reviewed by the Chief U.S. Probation Officer or the assigned designee. The most qualified applicants will be selected to progress to Tier II. We anticipate this phase to take at least one week from the closing date of the announcement.
Tier II Testing: Candidates advancing to this tier will be scheduled to take a test which assesses written and verbal skills as well as analytical reasoning abilities. If the applicant resides in another state, we will request assistance from the nearest U.S. Probation Office to the applicant. Otherwise, testing will be conducted at the headquarters office located in Macon, Georgia. A review of the tests will be conducted by a panel of employees. Candidates who perform well on the written test will be eligible to advance to the interview stage.
Tier III Interview: Candidates selected for this stage will be scheduled for a personal interview before a panel of employees, including the Chief U.S. Probation Officer at a date and location to be determined.
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
Interested persons should submit an application packet to include:
A cover letter and resume;
Application for Judicial Employment Form AO 78 which may be found at www.gamp.uscourts.gov under Professionals tab, Employment with USPO;
Copy of college transcript for all degrees; and
Narrative addressing the Quality Ranking Factors as noted below:
1) Describe your qualifications, skills, and abilities that are relevant to the field of pretrial and probation services.
2) Describe why you would like to become a United States Probation Officer for the Middle District of Georgia
All documents in the application packet are to be submitted in .pdf format no later than 4:00 PM EST on Friday, May 23, 2025, to hr@gamp.uscourts.gov with the subject line reading Probation Officer Job #25-03 (last name, first name, middle initial).
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
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