The U.S. Pretrial Services Office for the Middle District of Florida is accepting applications for the position of U.S. Pretrial Services Officer.
Qualifications for Pretrial Services Officers are prescribed and set forth by the Judicial Conference of the United States. All probation or pretrial services officer positions require completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position. Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting education requirements, applicants must have specialized experience. A minimum of three years specialized experience is preferred. Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience, in such fields as pretrial services, probation, parole, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health. Experience as a police officer, corrections, or prison guard, custodial, or security officer, FBI, Customs Agent, or U.S. Marshal DOES NOT MEET the requirements of specialized experience. Additional Qualifications: Fluency in Spanish is desirable but not required. Ability to organize, prioritize work schedule, and work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast paced and challenging environment, managing stress, and maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. Ability to exercise impartiality and discretion with the defendant population and their family/support system. Ability to interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds. This includes defendants, law enforcement and collateral agency personnel at different government levels, and community service providers. Ability to interview and establish rapport with defendants and their families/support systems, contacts at collateral agencies, and others for the purpose of supervision and investigation. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Skill in the use of automated equipment including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
The U.S. Pretrial Services Office for the Middle District of Florida is currently accepting applications for the position of Pretrial Services Officer. The Middle District of Florida consists of five divisions: Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, and Tampa. The assignment of a duty location is at the discretion of the chief pretrial services officer. More than one position may be filled from this recruitment. This position will be under the direct supervision of a supervisory pretrial services officer. ** Applicants must specify their preferred office location(s). Responsibilities Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with federal criminal offenses when they are arrested or summoned to the court. Information is gathered through interviews with the defendant, arresting authorities, U. S. Attorney's Office, family, and community members. Also, uses law enforcement automated criminal records systems to obtain and verify information. Drug testing and substance abuse assessments are performed. Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judge prior to the initial hearing with an assessment of non-appearance and danger to the community. A recommendation regarding the release or detention of the defendant is included in the report. In formulating a recommendation, considers prior convictions, ability of defendant to post bond, community ties, possibility of substance abuse, and the risk of non-appearance, as well as the degree of danger to the community. Supervises those defendants that are released when required. Makes regular telephone contacts, home visits and community contacts as required by the conditions of release and the supervision plan. Ensures that defendant takes the required drug tests. Supervision intervention is conducted with defendant to modify behavior to reduce potential for revocation. Assists those needing medical help, food, shelter, and other assistance by referring them to the appropriate community or governmental agencies. Coordinates and monitors defendant's contact with community resources. Notifies the court and the U. S. Attorney of any violations. Prepares petitions and/or reports to the court recommending revocation or modification of conditions of release. Attends court hearings (initial, detention or violation) to provide additional information and to keep abreast of the case status and requirements. Testifies when necessary to support violation reports.