United States Probation Officer(s) - US District Court : Job Details

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa Announces an Opportunity at theUnited States Probation & Pretrial Services OfficePosition: United States Probation Officer - VA 25-02 LOCATION: Duty station may be either Cedar Rapids or Sioux City. United States Courthouse 111 7 th Avenue SE, Box 14Cedar Rapids, Iowa United States Courthouse 320 6 th Street, Suite 200Sioux City, Iowa CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: CL25-CL28 More than one position may be hired from this posting. Promotional potential from a CL25 to CL28 without further competition is possible and is based on individual experience and performance, and at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation Officer and approval of the Chief Judge. SALARY RANGE: $48,890 - $115,213The salary range listed here reflects the full pay scale spanning across all classification levels for this position. Starting salaries depend on education, skills, and experience. New incumbents may start in the developmental range of the lowest classification level (CL) and increase incrementally towards full performance and/or CL promotional advancements throughout their career.OPENING DATE: January 17, 2025CLOSING DATE: Open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by February 28, 2025. About Us: The Northern District of Iowa U.S. Probation Office has locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Sioux City, Iowa. Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in the state and is vibrant with unique attractions, exciting events, a dynamic art scene and a large variety of restaurant and nightlife options. Sioux City is located in northwest Iowa on the Missouri River. It is referred to as a regional hub for its intersection of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota and it has twice been named an All-American City by the National Civic League which recognizes communities excelling in inclusivity, civic engagement, and strong connections between citizens. VA 25-02 USPO The Opportunity: The United States Probation Office, in the Northern District of Iowa, is accepting applications for United States Probation Officer(s) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and/or Sioux City, Iowa. The duties specified herein are intended to provide generalized examples of the major duties and responsibilities that are performed by a U.S. Probation Officer within any unit and do not reflect all duties performed by positions covered by this classification. POSITION SUMMARY:

• Conducts pretrial investigations to include background information and prepares pretrial reports for the court with recommendations regarding risk of flight or risk of danger to the community pending trial/court resolution of the defendant s pending offense.
• Gathers comprehensive, factual information and verifies with collateral resources.
• Provides written and/or verbal assistance to the court regarding pretrial procedures in a clear, logical, and concise format.
• Conducts presentence investigations and prepares reports for the court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses.
• The preparation of these reports requires interviewing offenders and their families, investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the offender, and contacting collateral sources.
• An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Following disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyzes any objections and determines appropriate course of action.
• Such actions include resolving disputed issues and /or presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
• Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court.
• Supervises people under supervision to provoke positive lifestyle changes and to maximize compliance to court-imposed conditions, reduces risk to the community, and provides correctional treatment.
• Assesses individual risks, develops objectives and strategies for controlling risks, and addresses identified needs.
• Utilizes evidence-based practices into daily activities and interactions with others.
• Maintains personal contact with people under supervision by way of both office-based visits and home/community contacts which could take place in unsafe neighborhoods or environments where illegal activities and/or violence could occur.
• Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk, needs, and compliance to conditions of supervision.
• Responsible for detection of substance abuse through assessments and subsequently implements the necessary treatment referrals and/or violation proceedings.
• Detects and investigates violations of supervision and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions.
• Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the court and appropriate authorities.
• All officers communicate with and seek information from collaborative organizations and persons such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, client families, community partners, public safety/law enforcement officials, treatment providers, victims, and attorneys concerning client progress, behavior, history, and/or conditions of supervision.
• Officers prepare an array of detailed reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and responses to judicial officers request for information.
• Officers may testify in court as to the basis of factual findings, case information, and guideline applications and may serve as resource to the court to facilitate proper impositions of sentences.
• Officers are required to maintain a detailed written record of case activity.
• S. Probation Officers interpret and apply complex rules, policies, and procedures while ensuring judicial and statutory requirements are being met.
• Mandatory evenings and weekend work is required for supervision activities and/or mission critical tasks.
• Some training and travel, including overnight stays, is required.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours per week in order to meet job requirements and deadlines.
• This is a salaried position; overtime pay is not authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States.
• Compensatory and/or flexible schedules may be allowed.
• Performs related duties and all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (for a CL 25): (Qualifications must be met at the time of application and may be reassessed throughout incumbent tenure)

• A citizen of the United States or be eligible to work in the United States;
• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position;
• A minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience is necessary to qualify at the CL25 level;
• Excellent professional references and computer abilities;
• A driver s license is required to conduct field work;
• The successful applicant must be mature, responsible, organized, and demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
• Must also possess a positive attitude, integrity, tact, initiative, and the ability to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds;
• Must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines; and
• Must have the ability to interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

• 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, social work, or work in substance/addiction treatment.
• Per national policy, experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer (other than any criminal investigative experience) does not qualify as specialized experience for this position.
• An education substitution option for the Specialized Experience is listed below.

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Completion of a bachelor s degree as specified in the Minimum Qualifications section and one of the following requirements may be substituted for one year of specialized experience:
• An overall B grade point average (GPA); or a B+ (3.5) GPA specifically in your major field of study;
• Standing in the upper third of the class;
• Completion of one (1) academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of an advanced degree from an accredited university is preferred;
• Fluency in a foreign language; licensure or certification in a behavioral science (LMSW, CADC, LPC, etc.);
• Exceptional writing skills; analytical skills; and ability to reason;
• Experience in probation work, conducting presentence investigations, and/or maintaining a caseload; and
• Previous community corrections and/or social service experience is highly desired.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS and BACKGROUND CHECKS

• Pursuant to Judicial Conference policy, all final applicants for hazardous law enforcement positions will undergo a drug screening and medical examination by Public Health Service physicians or other Federal Occupational Health approved physicians using the medical guidelines developed by Federal Occupational Health . click apply for full job details