U.S. Probation Officer - Laredo, Texas
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![]() United States, Texas, Laredo | ||
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POSITION OVERVIEW The U.S. Probation Office for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest federal probation offices among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. U.S. Probation is part of the federal judiciary, and together with the district courts, the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of U.S. Probation Officer in our Laredo, Texas division.
This position is contingent upon receiving sufficient funding. Although we anticipate receiving sufficient funds, the annual process of allocating the funds is yet to be completed. Overview By statute, probation officers are appointed by the district court. Officers assist in the administration of justice, promote community safety by gathering information, supervising offenders, interacting with collateral agencies, preparing reports, conducting investigations, and presenting recommendations to the court. Officers may guide the work of other staff. The incumbent conducts investigations, provides recommendations to the court, and supervises offenders. 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. Total Compensation:Starting salary depends on qualifications, experience, and locality pay area. Pay tables may be viewed here. Entry level officers start at CL 25 or CL 27; experienced officers can start at CL 28. In addition to the opportunity to serve your country in a rewarding public service position, the federal judiciary, the third branch of the federal government, provides a generous benefits package which, in addition to salary, is an important component of total compensation:
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
QUALIFICATIONS Entry Level Probation Officer Position Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an overall "B" GPA (2.90+ out of a possible 4.0). Minimum Qualifications: At least two years of specialized experience. Specialized experience is: progressively responsible experience with client-based case work, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in mental health/ substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, or psychology. To be considered for a higher level probation officer position, an official job description for these positions is required and should be uploaded as an attachment to your application. Experience in a clerical or administrative capacity or as a police, custodial, or security officer, is not considered specialized experience for this position. All Levels of Probation Officer The successful applicant will have: the ability to communicate well orally and in writing; the ability to organize, oversee, and complete multiple projects simultaneously, with limited supervision; the ability to maintain confidences, exercise mature judgment, and work harmoniously with others. Also, be dependable, with a commitment to regular attendance. Possess knowledge of court operations. Working knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite (including Word and Excel), Adobe Acrobat, WordPerfect and Windows is required. You must attach your transcripts to your application before it will be considered complete. Official transcripts will be required for everyone who is interviewed. MISCELLANEOUS Physical Requirements U.S. Probation Officers are federal law enforcement officers. The duties of a probation officer require the investigation and management of criminal defendants/offenders who can present physical danger to an officer and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these defendants/offenders, 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, 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 and medically qualified before becoming a U.S. Probation Officer. Severe health problems or physical defects that constitute employment hazards to the applicant or others may disqualify an applicant. 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 law enforcement experience under the 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 law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement. If applicable, we will request your most recent SF50 to determine age qualification. Background Investigation, Drug Screening and Medical Standards First time appointees to the position of a U.S. Probation Officer must undergo an extensive OPM background investigation and drug screening. In addition, officers are subject to updated background investigations every five years and will be subject to random drug screening. If a provisional hire is authorized, applicants are also subject to a local background investigation and continued employment will be contingent on successful completion of the OPM investigation. Prior to appointment, final selectees undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, selectees may be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable determination by the court. Other Information Participation in the interview process is at the applicant's own expense. Applicants may be asked to take proficiency tests. The court will only communicate with those qualified applicants who are selected for an interview. If you are not notified, other applicants were selected. Employees of the United States Courts are not included in the government's Civil Service classification. They are, however, entitled to the same benefits as other federal government employees. This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer participation for payment of net pay. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written notice. Employees of the federal judiciary must be U.S. Citizens or able to prove that they are actively seeking citizenship. Visit www.uscourts.gov for more information on the citizenship requirement. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written notice. |