Job Details for Pretrial Services Officer
| Court Name/Organization: | New Jersey Pretrial Services |
| Overview of the Position: | The Pretrial Services Officer is an investigation and supervision specialist responsible for providing information to the Court on matters concerning pretrial release and detention, release conditions, supervision, pretrial diversion, and public safety pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3153 and 3154. |
| Location: | Newark, Trenton, Camden, NJ |
| Opening and Closing Dates: | 10/01/2024 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type: | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade: | CL 27- CL 28 |
| Salary: | $63,857 - $132,844 |
| Announcement Number: | 25-02 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
A Pretrial Services Officer reports to a Supervisory U.S. Pretrial Services Officer. Representative duties include, gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense 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. Uses law enforcement automated criminal record systems to obtain and verify information. 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. Supervises those defendants who are released to the community to enforce the conditions of release. Makes regular telephone and personal contacts in the office, home, and community as required by the conditions of release and the supervision plan. Assists those with social service needs such as medical, treatment, housing and others by referring defendants to the appropriate community resources. Monitors compliance with release conditions and amends conditions as necessary to address identified risks. Notifies the Court and the U.S. Attorney of any violations. Prepares petitions and/or reports to the Court recommending modification of conditions of release or revocation. Attends court hearings (initial, detention, or violation) to provide additional information and make updated recommendations. Testifies when necessary to support violation reports. Develops a supervision plan and maintains a detailed record of case activity.
Qualification
- Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study, such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or public administration, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relations skills involved in the position, is required for all pretrial services officer positions.
- An ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing is needed
- The ability to organize, oversee, and complete multiple projects simultaneously, and with limited supervision, is a desired characteristic in addition to being detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Dependability, with the ability to work beyond traditional office hours is required
- The incumbent must exercise sound judgment and maintain confidences
Benefits
- Up to 13 days paid vacation per year for the first three years of employment; up to 20 days per year until the 15th year of service; thereafter, 26 days per year. Sick leave earned at 4 hours per pay period (104 hours per year - 13 days)
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System and in a tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)–similar to a 401K plan
- Participation in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program
- Participation in the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Program
- Optional enrollment in the Federal Judiciary Employee long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and commuter benefits program
- Up to 10 paid holidays a year
- Mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payment
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following items to Administrative Support Specialist Sophia Onal via email. Preference will be given to those applications submitted prior to Oct. 30, 2024. Your submission should include all required documents in one PDF attachment arranged in the order indicated below.
- A letter of interest indicating the skills and competencies that you believe you possess that will match the needs of our Agency
- An updated resume
- A fully completed AO-78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment
The selection process will include a review of submitted material, as well as a panel interview. Due to the volume of applications received, U.S. Pretrial Services will communicate with only those qualified individuals who are selected for an interview.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.