Probation Officer

Overview

This position is located in the U. S. Probation & Pretrial Services Office, District of Delaware. The district serves the three counties of Delaware and has offices in Wilmington and Dover. Assignment to an office duty station is at the discretion of the Chief Probation Officer. The person filling this position must be able to perform a wide range of duties, such as investigation and supervision of pretrial defendants, conducting background investigations on convicted defendants, and supervising sentenced federal offenders.

The ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, is a requirement. The successful applicant must also be able to work effectively with a wide range of people of varying backgrounds. There is potential promotional opportunity up to a CL 28, without further competition.

Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Officer, the officer conducts investigations and prepares reports for the court with recommendations. Interviews offenders/defendants and their families and collects background data from various sources. During the process, interprets and applies policies and procedures, statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Monographs, and relevant case law, as applicable.

Pretrial Investigations: Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Officer, the officer conducts pretrial investigations and prepares pretrial reports for the court with recommendations addressing risk of flight and risk of danger to the community. Gathers comprehensive, factual, and objective information that is verified with collateral resources. Provides written and verbal assistance to the court regarding pretrial procedures in a clear, logical, and concise format.

Presentence: Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Officer, the officer conducts presentence investigations and prepares comprehensive reports for the Court, including sentencing recommendations for individuals convicted of federal offenses. These reports are developed through extensive fact-finding and analysis to ensure the Court is provided with accurate, verified, and objective information for sentencing determinations. Duties include conducting in-depth and independent investigations of the offense, offense conduct, and victim impact using appropriate investigative techniques and verified information sources.

The officer seeks and evaluates input from defendants, family members, attorneys, case agents, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant sources to obtain complete and reliable case information. The officer obtains, reviews, and analyzes criminal history records and supporting documentation to accurately assess a defendant's criminal background for sentencing purposes. This includes interpreting and applying applicable statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, relevant case law, and court policies and procedures.

The officer demonstrates proficiency in these areas through accurate guideline calculations, appropriate selection of sentencing options, and well-supported sentencing recommendations contained in the presentence report and any required addenda. In addition, the officer investigates defendants' employment history, financial resources, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to identify mitigating and aggravating factors, assess risk, evaluate the likelihood of future compliance under supervision, and determine the need for correctional treatment, monitoring, and counseling.

Supervision: Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Officer, the officer enforces court ordered supervision components and implements supervision strategies. Maintains personal contact with defendants and offenders, investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Addresses substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems and refers to appropriate specialist. Schedules and conducts drug use detection tests and DNA collection of offenders/defendants, following established procedures and protocols.

Maintains paper and computerized records of test results. Maintains chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Responds to judicial officers= requests for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications, if warranted. Maintains detailed written records of case activity. Investigates and analyzes financial documents and activities and takes appropriate action. Interviews victim(s) and provides victim impact statements to the court.

Ensures compliance with Mandatory Victims Restitution Act. Under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Probation Officer, the officer reviews and resolves disputed issues involving defendants/offenders and presents unresolved issues to the court for resolution. Assesses offenders/defendants level of risk and develops a blend of strategies for controlling…