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Job Details for U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer

Court Name/Organization: Wisconsin Western Probation and Pretrial Services
Location: Madison, Eau Claire, WI
Opening and Closing Dates: 09/20/2024 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type: Permanent
Classification Level/Grade: CL 25 to CL 28
Salary: $49,965 - $113,078
Link to Court Careers Information: https://www.wiwp.uscourts.gov/career-opportunities
Announcement Number: 24-07
Position Description

Qualification

Specialized Experience

A minimum of one year of specialized experience is necessary to qualify at the CL 25 level. A minimum of 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 is necessary to qualify at the CL 27 level. Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience gained after completion of a bachelor’s degree, in such fields as probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction treatment qualify. Experience as a police officer, custodial, or security officer (other than any criminal investigation experience) is not creditable for this position.

Educational Substitutions

Completion of a bachelor’s degree and one of the following requirements may be substituted for one year of specialized experience: overall “B” grade point average or a “B+” (3.5 out of 4.0) average in a major field of study; standing in the upper third of the class; election to 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 (1) academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.

Benefits

Federal benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include health and life insurance, disability and long-term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, and a tax-deferred savings plan. Officers who consistently meet performance expectation levels have opportunities for limited teleworking. This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation or payment of net pay.

Miscellaneous

Other Conditions of Employment

This is a hazardous duty position and subject to mandatory separation at age 57, after the completion of at least 20 years of service. First-time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment.

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and every five years thereafter will be subject to a re-investigation. Prior to appointment, the selectee will undergo a drug screening and medical examination. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the selectee may then be appointed provisionally. A full background investigation will be completed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) once the incumbent has entered onto duty as a provisional hire. If the OPM report reflects any findings of a negative nature or disqualifying actionable issues, suitability will be reconsidered by the Chief U.S. District Judge and the Chief U.S. Probation Officer.

Employees are subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations, and may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. Probation and pretrial services officers work with people who may pose a threat to the community and to officers themselves. The duties of a probation officer include moderate to arduous physical exercise and require physical dexterity and coordination necessary for officer safety and use of self-defense tactics. Probation and pretrial officers are subject to physical and mental stress due to the nature of their job responsibilities. The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation officers, pretrial services officers, and officer assistants may be obtained at the U.S. Courts website under the Federal Courts section.

All court employees, including U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers, are excepted service appointments and are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
Fully appointed U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers may be removed by the court for unacceptable performance, misconduct, or other cause, pursuant to 18 U.S.C § 3602(a).

Commencing on the date of entry on duty, the selectee shall complete a one-year probationary period. This period provides time for the employee to become acquainted with the functions of the assigned position. The probationary period also affords the employee’s supervisor the ability to evaluate the employee’s work performance, attendance, attitude, and compliance with office policies and procedures.

Upon discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation Officer, and taking into consideration the employee’s work experience, performance, and acclimation to their assigned tasks, the probationary period could be removed prior to one year. Once the selectee has successfully completed the probationary period, the provisional status will typically be removed.

During their first year of duty, probation officers receive extensive local training and must also successfully complete a six-week national training program at the Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.

Employees must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to their assigned duty station.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States.

How To Apply

To be considered for this position, complete this application, and attach the following:

  1. Cover letter, outlining why it is your career goal to become a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer, specifically for the Western District of Wisconsin
  2. Resume with references (include references’ phone numbers and email addresses)
  3. Judicial Branch Federal Employment Application (AO78). The AO78 is included in the link.
  4. Copies (unofficial) of college transcript. Transcripts must include grade point average
  5. Copies of two most recent performance-based work evaluations
  6. A supplemental statement of no more than three typed pages addressing the following areas: 
    1. Describe the qualifications, skills, and abilities that you possess that match the demands of the position
    2. Mission Critical Value Statement: Select one of the 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 and Pretrial Services Officer.
      1. 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.
      2. 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 work together to foster a collegial environment and promote excellence.

Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Please note: The court is not authorized to reimburse candidates for travel in connection with an interview or to pay relocation expenses to the successful candidate. Only applicants who are interviewed in person will receive a written response regarding their application. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission(s) of information on any application material may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an officer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.