U.S. Pretrial Services Officer

Overview

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 including defendants on location monitoring. The officer may be assigned duties in any of the aforementioned areas depending on office needs.

• Gathers and verify 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 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
• Coordinates the work of the investigation unit regarding all pretrial investigative work and coordinates necessary court coverage as needed
• Conduct community contacts
• Be available for weekend arrest duty court coverage as needed
• Investigates violations, prepares written reports for the court, and recommends appropriate action to be taken by the court
• Supervise a caseload of defendants which may include location monitoring (LM) defendants, on 24 hours, 7-day-per-week basis as is currently in place including community and home contacts
• Monitor defendant compliance according to national and local policy as well as procedures outlined within the district’s LM Policy Manual. Report any violations pertaining to supervision conditions to the judicial officer.
• First time federal law enforcement officers will attend a formal national training session for 6 weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
• Perform all other duties as assigned

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.

Following the initial training period, this position may qualify for remote work consistent with the office’s telework policy and at the discretion of the Chief Pretrial Services Officer.

• 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
• Required Education & Experience
  :
  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 is described as progressively responsible experience, gained after completion of a…