Clarification from the agency

All external and internal applicants. One or more postings may be filled for this position.

Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Pretrial Services Officer, the incumbent will:

• Gather and verify background information on persons charged with federal crimes. Information is gathered through automated law enforcement systems, interviews with defendant, arresting authorities, government entities, family and community members. Drug testing and substance abuse assessments may be performed.
• Assist the court with reducing unnecessary pretrial detention by evaluating information and preparing a report prior to the detention hearing with a recommendation regarding release or detention. Reports are completed within very strict time limitations.
• Supervise those defendants who are released on bond when required. Enforce court-ordered supervision components by applying national and local supervision standards and guidance. Develop a supervision plan using a blend of assisting and monitoring strategies to reduce the potential for bond violations and failures to appear. Maintain timely and appropriate case records. Maintain personal contact with defendants through regular home visits, employment visits, and other contacts in the community. Address substance abuse, mental illness, and similar problems through treatment interventions, including assessment, monitoring, and counseling. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and overall compliance. Assist those needing medical, social service, or legal assistance by referring them to appropriate resources. Coordinate and monitor defendant's contact with community resources.
• Respond to the court's request for information and advice, which may include testimony as to the basis for factual findings. Maintain detailed and up-to-date written records of case activity.
• Notify the court and the U.S. Attorney of any apparent bond violations. Prepare reports to the court recommending modification of conditions of release as appropriate.
• Communicate with other organizations (law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning defendants' behavior and conditions of supervision. Identify and investigate violation matters and make recommendations for disposition.
• Guide the work of staff providing administrative and technical assistance to officers. Have knowledge of, and maintain compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements.
• Assist with the operation of the court's specialized programs.

Conditions of employment

U. S. Citizenship or eligibility to work permanently in the U.S. is required. The medical requirements and essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for pretrial services officer and officer assistants are available for public view at https://www.uscourts.gov/. The incumbent may be subject to a full background investigation and may need to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment. In addition, the incumbent will be subject to updated background investigations every five years and to on-going random drug screening. All employees of the United States Pretrial Services Agency are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct.

As a federal law enforcement position, there is a maximum age requirement. First-time appointees must have not reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 years or older who have previous federal civilian law enforcement officer experience may have the previous law enforcement service subtracted from their age to determine if they meet the maximum age requirement.

The successful candidate will be required to attend a six-week training academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess progressively responsible experience gained after completion of a bachelor's degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Broad knowledge of the criminal justice system including experience with legal terminology and processes.
• Strong time management skills, be detailed-oriented, and have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills (Windows-based software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail and web searches).
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of staff in a professional manner.
• Fluency in a foreign language such as Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin, or Vietnamese (preferred).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Selection will be made consistent with the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Plan adopted by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Applicants to be evaluated based on knowledge, skills and abilities.