U.S. Probation Officer (Supervision Division)

Summary The United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of New York is accepting applications for the position of United States Probation Officer within the Supervision Division. The agency is comprised of two divisional offices (Brooklyn and Central Islip, NY), with the Brooklyn location being the headquarter office. Responsibilities United States Probation Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice, provide community safety, conduct objective investigations, supervise persons under supervision, interact with outside agencies and community members, and prepare reports and present recommendations to the court. Responsibilities Probation officers (in the Supervision Division) monitor persons under supervision to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risks to the community, and to provide correctional treatment. They maintain personal contact with persons under supervision through office, home and community visits conducted in-person, by telephone or by virtual means if deemed appropriate. They conduct regular field activities which include a component of early morning, evening, and weekends or holiday hours and they may be required to respond to situations outside of normal business hours. Probation Officers make referrals to appropriate outside agencies such as mental health/drug treatment facilities and employment/training agencies. Probation Officers investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. They address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems and implement the necessary treatment through assessment, monitoring, and counseling. They assess risk levels of persons under supervision, and they employ Evidenced- Based Practices, monitoring, restrictions, and interventions to address risk. Probation Officers communicate with other organizations and persons (such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning persons under supervisions behavior and the conditions of supervision. Probation Officers identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. They are required to maintain detailed records of all case activity. They report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepare written reports on any violations of conditions and make recommendations for disposition. They testify in Court, when applicable. Requirements Conditions of Employment MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: 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 the Civil Service Retirement System or Federal Employees Retirement System and who have a subsequent break in service may have their previous federal law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement. MEDICAL AND BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS: The duties of probation officers require the investigation and management of persons under supervision who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these persons, 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-defensive tactics. On a daily basis, officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are charged with criminal offenses or convicted of committing federal offenses. The medical requirements for law enforcement officer positions are available for public review on https://www.uscourts.gov by searching for Officer and Officer Assistant Medical Requirements. Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a medical examination, complete a ten-year background investigation and a drug screening. Upon successful completion of all components, the selectee will 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, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. Qualifications Applicants must possess a four-year 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, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relation skills involved in the position. In addition to possessing a four-year degree, applicants must also have two years of specialized experience or the completion of a masters degree in a field of study closely related to the position or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Education Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a bachelors degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer, without any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Experience as a probation officer on a federal, state or county level is desirable. Knowledge of federal law and the criminal justice system and how it relates to the roles and functions of a United States Probation Officer. Strong familiarity with techniques in supervising offenders. Skill in working with violent and/or difficult individuals and implementing negotiation and motivation techniques. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Superior attention to detail. Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other investigative databases. Additional Information