U.S. Pretrial Services Officer

Court Name/Organization Illinois Northern Pretrial Services Overview of the Position The U.S. Pretrial Services Office for the Northern District of Illinois is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of a Pretrial Services Officer. The Pretrial Services Officer, as a pretrial release investigator and supervision officer, is responsible for providing meaningful assistance to the U.S. District Court in its deliberations and decisions concerning pretrial release of defendants accused of violating federal statutes; and for ensuring public safety through the monitoring and supervision of defendants placed under supervision by the Court. Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense when they are arrested or summoned to court. Ability to query and interpret law enforcement automated criminal records systems to obtain and verify information. Evaluates information and prepares a report for the judicial officer prior to the Initial Appearance hearing with an assessment of risks of non-appearance and danger to the community. Attends court hearings to represent Pretrial Services, provides the court, government, and defense counsel with additional information as needed, and stays current with the case status and requirements of the court’s orders. Makes recommendations regarding bail and/or release or detention of the defendant. Testify in court when necessary. Communicates with other organizations and personnel (U.S. Marshal Service, other law enforcement agencies, Bureau of Prisons, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning defendants’ behavior and conditions of supervision. Identify and report violations of the Order Setting Conditions of Release and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Investigates violations, prepares written reports for the court, and recommends appropriate action to be taken by the court. Conduct community contacts. Perform all other duties as assigned. Be available for weekend arrest duty court coverage as needed. May supervise a caseload of defendants ensuring compliance with procedures outlined within district and national policy and report violations pertaining to supervision conditions to the judicial officer The above list is intended to reflect typical duties and does not include all duties or special work assignments. U.S. Pretrial Services Officer (and Officer Assistant) duties are performed in an office, courtroom, and community setting and are subject to irregular work hours to include nights, weekends, and holidays. This does include regular contact with people of varying backgrounds and characteristics. These duties will also require the investigation and management of defendants and who may present physical danger to themselves and/or the public. The supervision, treatment, and oversight of those persons under pretrial supervision may require moderate to arduous physical activity, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity, and coordination necessary for a safe, physical retreat. Qualifications Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States. A driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required. All Pretrial Services officer positions require completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least one year of specialized experience*. At least one year of experience at or equivalent to the next level below the level of the position for which the person is being considered. Sufficient keyboarding skills (or alternative skills) to demonstrate proficiency in producing reports/documents/correspondence using electronic word processing and other office system technology is required. *Specialized Experience : Progressively responsible experience in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health. Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable. Maximum Age Requirement : First time appointees to positions covered under federal law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants 37 years old and older who have previous law enforcement experience covered under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) 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 deducted from their age to determine whether or not they meet the maximum age requirement. Physical Requirements : Officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distance vision in at least one eye and the ability to read normal size print. Normal hearing ability, with or without hearing aid(s), is also required. Any severe health problems, such as physical defects, disease, and deformities that constitute employment hazards to the applicant or others, may disqualify the applicant. Background Investigation, Drug Screening & Medical Standards : As part of the interview process and due to the sensitivity level of this position, candidates will be asked about their background including criminal history and illegal drug use. In addition, candidates must complete the AO-78, questions 18-20 regarding criminal history. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process. Prior to appointment, the final candidate considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the candidate may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the Court. The final candidate must also successfully complete a ten-year background investigation conducted by the Office of Personnel Management. In addition, as conditions of employment, the 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. The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial service officers and officer assistants are available for public review at . Employee Benefits Up to 13 days paid vacation per year for the first three years of employment, thereafter, 20 to 26 days per year, dependent upon the length of federal service. 11 paid holidays per year Mandatory participation in the federal retirement system and social security program Thrift Savings Plan –Employer matching up to an additional 5% of employee contribution Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending program for health and dependent care Group life insurance program Possible participation in Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Employee fitness center on-site The U.S. Probation Office Is Committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr United States Courts