United States Pretrial Services Officer

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough investigations, including gathering and verifying background information on defendants charged with federal criminal offenses when they are arrested or summoned to the court.
• Gathers background information through interviews with the defendant, arresting authorities, U.S. Attorney's Office, family, and community members;
• Evaluates information and prepares a bail report to the federal magistrate judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of risk of nonappearance and danger to the community.
• Makes well-supported recommendations to the Court regarding bond options;
• Enforces court-ordered supervision components/conditions and implements supervision strategies in accordance with local and national policies.
• Conditions can include referrals for substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol testing, location monitoring, etc.
• Counsels defendants on securing necessary employment, medical, legal or social services;
• Develops appropriate supervision plans for defendants and completes case reviews due monthly.
• Conducts criminal record checks quarterly on defendants under supervision to ensure compliance.
• Notifies the Court and U.S. Attorney’s Office of violations of pretrial release.
• Prepares violation petitions/reports and makes recommendations to the Court regarding all apparent violations of pretrial release conditions;
• Maintains accurate case records on each case as required by local and national policies;
• Schedules and conducts drug/alcohol use detection tests of defendants under supervision, following established procedures and protocols. Maintains paper and computerized records of test results.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
• Applicants must possess a bachelor’s 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.
• Less than 37 years old at time of appointment, unless previous federal law enforcement officer experience under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

The duties of pretrial services officers require the investigation and management of defendants who present physical danger to officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these defendants, these duties require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination necessary to operate a firearm, and use of self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, these officers face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals who are convicted of committing federal offenses. Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate to arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable.

Benefits

• Retirement Benefits: Federal Employes Retirement System (FERS) Basic Benefit Plan Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – 401k styled program with up to a 5% government match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid federal government holidays
• Optional Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance options
• Flexible Benefits Program offering medical care, dependent care, and parking reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible work schedules and telework, depending on location and position
• On-site gym, depending on location