United States Probation Officer

Denver, CO
US Probation Office

Salary: $56,783.00 – $128,460.00 Annually

Closing Date: 3/3/2025

Position Summary:

A United States Probation Officer works in a team environment, serves in a judiciary law enforcement position, and assists in the administration of justice. The incumbent promotes community safety, gathers information, supervises defendants/offenders, interacts with collateral agencies, prepares reports, conducts investigations, and presents recommendations to the court. An officer may guide the work of other staff.

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the court with recommendations, which requires interviewing offenders/defendants and their families, as well as collecting background data from various sources. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures, and may include U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Guide to Judiciary Policy (including Volume 8 (Probation and Pretrial Services), and relevant case law. Track legal developments, and update staff and the court.
  • Enforce court-ordered supervision components and implement supervision strategies. Maintain personal contact with defendants and offenders. Investigate employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Address substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems and implement the necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment, monitoring, and counseling.
  • Schedule and conduct drug use detection tests and DNA collection of offenders/defendants, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results. Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Respond to judicial officer’s request for information and advice. Testify in court as to the basis for factual findings and (if warranted) guideline applications. Serve as a resource to the court. Maintain detailed written records of case activity. May conduct surveillance and/or search and seizure at the direction of the court.
  • Investigate and analyze financial documents and activities and take appropriate action. Interview victim(s) and provide victim impact statements to the court. Ensure compliance with Mandatory Victims Restitution Act. Responsible for enforcement of home confinement conditions ordered by the court, and in some districts may perform home confinement reintegration on behalf of the Bureau of Prisons.
  • Analyze and respond to any objections. This may include resolving disputed issues and presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution. Assess offenders’/defendants’ level of risk and develop a blend of strategies for controlling and correcting risk management.
  • Communicate with other organizations and persons (such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement, treatment agencies, and attorneys) concerning offenders’/defendants’ behavior and conditions of supervision. Identify and investigate violations and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepare written reports of violation matters and make recommendations for disposition. Testify at court or parole hearings. Conduct Parole Commission preliminary interviews. Guide the work of staff providing administrative and technical assistance to officers. Knowledge of, and compliance with, the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.

Requirements:

  • One year of specialized experience;
  • Completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following superior academic achievement requirements:
  • An overall “B” grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0;
  • Standing in the upper third of the class;
  • “3.5” average or better in the major field of study, such as business or public administration, human resources management, industrial relations, or psychology;
  • • Election to membership in one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies; or
  • Completion of one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.
  • Two years of specialized experience; or
  • Completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
  • 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, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident seeking U.S. citizenship.
  • Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.
  • The Court requires employees to adhere to a Code of Conduct as well as specific employee policies and performance expectations.