U.S. Probation Officer

ABOUT THE POSITION

The U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota is seeking a full-time Probation & Pretrial Services Officer in Sioux Falls. U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers play an integral role in the administration of justice, community safety, conduct objective investigations, supervise defendants and persons under supervision, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, maintain a detailed written record of case activity, and present recommendations to the Court. Officers investigate and prepare bail and presentence reports for the Court and/or

supervise defendants and persons under supervision to reduce risk to the community and foster lawful self-management.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes a working alliance with persons under supervision by developing a genuine helping relationship and providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and a shared agreement on goals.
• Conducts investigations and prepares reports for the Court to assist with detention and sentencing decisions.
• Provides accurate, thorough, and objective information along with best judgment to the Court for the issuance of individualized, fair, and equitable court orders.
• Implements and uses behavioral-based change work methods to achieve the goals of the case plan.
• Interacts with defendants and people under supervision using values such as affirmation, non-judgment, openness, care, and respect.
• Assesses and identifies general risk, risk to do harm, needs, strengths, level of motivation, and imminence for defendants and people under supervision.
• Collaborates with community resources utilizing referrals when necessary.
• Monitors a person’s compliance with the conditions of release and/or supervision and reports to the Court any allegations of non-compliance.
• Develops collaborative strategies and/or interventions to promote lawful self-management.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Documents and maintains detailed written records of meetings and case activity.
• Participates in annual safety training and adheres to the district’s safety policy.
• Embraces diversity among colleagues and communities served.
• At times, extensive travel to other locations within the district may be required.
• May be requested to perform additional duties and/or projects as assigned.

PERSONAL CHARACERISTIC REQUIREMENTS

• Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, adhere to high ethical standards, and demonstrate integrity in fulfilling the district’s vision, mission, values, and strategic plan.
• Prioritize competing demands while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
• Exercise impartiality and discretion with defendants, persons under supervision, courts, justice partners, and communities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed, including nights, weekends, or holidays.
• Promote and maintain a positive work environment which encourages integrity,
• respect, individual and organizational growth, and a fulfilling work life.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education Requirement

• Applicants must possess a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must be from a field of academic study related to human relations and where knowledge was gained in understanding the legal requirements necessary to succeed as a probation officer.

Maximum Entry Age Limit

First time appointees to positions covered under federal law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday by the time of appointment. Applicants 37 years old and older who have previous law

enforcement experience covered under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may be able to have previous federal experience deducted from current age to determine eligibility.

LEO Training Requirement

A 6-week training program at the Probation and Pretrial Training Academy in Charleston, South Carolina is required within the first year of employment for all law enforcement officer positions.

Medical Requirements and Background Checks

Prior to appointment and after an accepted offer, candidates must undergo a medical examination and drug screen. Upon successful completion, the candidate will be appointed under a provisional status, pending the outcome of a

favorable background investigation. As a condition of employment, officers will be subject to ongoing random drug screens, updated background investigations every 5-7 years or as deemed necessary and may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations Officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distance vision in at least one eye with 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, or deformities that constitute

employment hazards to the candidate or others, may disqualify an individual from eligibility. See www.uscourts.gov for additional medical requirement information.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To receive priority consideration, applicants must submit the following by 5:00 pm CST on Friday, June 9, 2023:

• A completed form AO 78 Judicial Branch for Federal Employment application, found on http://www.uscourts.gov/forms.
• A current resume to include at least three (3) professional references;
• An unofficial copy of your college transcript(s)
• A cover letter that specifically addresses qualifications and relevant experience you possess which make you a good candidate for this position; include your knowledge, skills, and ability to facilitate behavior change.
• Mission critical value statement: Select one of the 4 values listed below and describe how that value has shaped who you are today and how you would demonstrate this value as a U.S. Probation Officer.

All documents should be emailed in PDF format with “Vacancy 02-25” in the subject line to recruitment@sdd.uscourts.gov.

MISSION CRITICAL VALUES

Integrity:

Our commitment to be honest, fair, compassionate to each other and those we serve. Being accountable for our

decisions and the impact of our actions.

Respect:

We honor and respect the dignity and worth of every individual, affirm human potential, act with empathy, and embrace diversity.

Individual and Organizational Growth:

We believe change is essential to the dynamic of our work. We create a learning environment where we and those we serve take courageous steps toward individual and systematic progress through competency building, effective

communication, and utilizing evidence-based practices.

Fulfilling Work Life:

We believe every employee can achieve personal satisfaction and fulfillment in their work by commitment to the mission, exercising individual responsibility, building competency, and supporting coworkers. We support a work environment where contributions are appreciated, and conditions are safe and fair.

Incomplete application packages will be disqualified from consideration.