Job Details for Supervising U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer
| Court Name/Organization: | Louisiana Western Probation and Pretrial Services |
| Overview of the Position: | The U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, is accepting applications for the position of Supervising U.S. Probation Officer (Divisional Supervisor) for the Lafayette, LA divisional office. This position is open to all qualified individuals. |
| Location: | Lafayette, LA |
| Opening and Closing Dates: | 10/30/2024 - 11/22/2024 |
| Appointment Type: | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade: | CL 29/01 - CL 30/61 |
| Salary: | $82,718 - $158,871 |
| Announcement Number: | 24-0003 |
Position Description
Under the immediate or direct supervision of Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer/Chief U.S. Probation Officer:
The Supervising U.S. Probation Officer (SUSPO) is responsible for the overall office management and supervision of staff in the divisional office. Included in the duties are assignment of work, review and evaluation of all work produced by the division; development and maintenance of systems of accountability for various divisional functions and responsibilities; actively participating in staff development; serving as a major, and positive, communication catalyst and link between line staff and the administration; supporting and implementing required policy and procedures; and assisting in development of district policy.
Divisional Supervisor Representative Duties:
- Oversees the daily organization and operation of the division, which requires working closely with the respective officer staff, and support staff in their duties, including establishing standards, evaluating performance, and handling minor problems within the division
- Maintains an accountability system for staff time and attendance within the division
- Supervises and approves the field travel of all staff within the division to include review, approval and certification of all travel vouchers
- Timely reviews and evaluates all work within the division, including presentence investigation reports, case records and correspondence to ensure maintenance of service delivery and adherence to existing policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Confers regularly with probation officers; provides direction and assistance to the officers toward improving investigative, supervision and writing skills. Assists probation officers in meeting the needs of clients with complex problems and circumstances; provides leadership in the development of sentencing alternatives, utilization of community resources, and the application of professionally sound case management principles.
- Determines the adjustment of individuals under supervision and consultation with the assigned probation officer; approves recommendations for early termination, extension of supervision, and probation revocation; approves all recommendations to the Court or U.S. Parole Commission for the issuance of warrants or summons for revocation
- Assures continuing staff development by planning and implementing training, holding individual staff conferences, and increasing levels of responsibility and assignments
- Assumes the responsibility for case handling of emergency situations arising with caseloads in the absence of the supervising probation officer
- Conducts division staff meetings to identify performance and operational problems and to develop appropriate solutions
- Evaluates the performance of probation officers in the division on a systematic and regular basis
- Responsible for staff relationships and morale within the division, encouraging loyalty and enthusiasm and maintaining an atmosphere for staff utilization of management, personnel and resources
- Serves as a major communication catalyst and as a link between line staff and the administration, assuring implementation of administrative directives while concurrently providing information to the Chief Probation Officer for future administrative action
- Participates with the Chief Probation Officer, Deputy Chief Probation Officer, and other administrative staff toward the development of programs and policies to increase the effectiveness of the office
- Supervises particularly difficult or highly sophisticated offenders as may be required
- Conducts and completes presentence investigations and other reports on unusually sensitive or complex criminal cases as may be required
- Develops understanding and cooperative relationships with other law enforcement and community service agencies
- Accepts invitations (when schedule allows) from public and civic groups to explain probation, pretrial, and other correctional services
- Occasionally, divisional supervisors may perform the duties of a probation officer
- May perform or supervise pretrial services within the division
- Keeps officers and clerical staff informed of the policies and procedures of the organization as a whole
- Performs related duties as required by the Chief Probation Officer
This list is intended to reflect typical duties and does not include all duties or special work assignments.
Qualification
Minimum Qualification Requirements
To qualify for placement at CL 29, three years of specialized experience are required, including at least one year as a CL 28 probation/pretrial services officer in the U.S. Courts. Specialized experience includes 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 abuse/addiction treatment. This experience must include progressively responsible administrative, technical, professional, supervisory or managerial experience that provided an opportunity to gain: a) skill in dealing with others in person-to-person relationships; b) the ability to exercise mature judgment; and c) knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and theories of management and the ability to understand the managerial policies applicable to the U.S. Probation Office. If the selected candidate starts this position at classification level CL 29, they may later be promoted to CL 30 without further competition
General Experience
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Submission of false or fraudulent information on or attached to an application may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. All information is subject to verification. Applications and enclosures will not be returned. The most suitable applicants will be invited to participate in an interview and testing at their own expense. Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid. Due to the volume of applications received, the Probation Office may only be able to communicate with those individuals who will be tested or interviewed. The Probation Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement, either of which may occur without prior written notice.
Employees of the U.S. Probation Office are Excepted Service and are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct which will be made available for review by applicants upon request. This position is subject to mandatory electronic deposit of salary payment.
Specialized Experience
Selective Factors
A master's degree in a closely related field of study is preferred. Computer experience, with above average knowledge of programs currently used by the office. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to organize, oversee, and complete multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision. Ability to assume and delegate responsibility, inspire confidence, secure cooperation, and serve as a member of a team. The incumbent must exercise sound judgment, maintain confidences, foster high ethical standards, and demonstrate leadership qualities, flexibility, and integrity in meeting the office’s vision, mission, and goals. Travel within the district will be required.
Background and Drug Testing
The selectee will be subject to random and reasonable suspicion drug testing and background investigations. Periodic reinvestigations are required, and retention depends upon a favorable suitability determination
Leadership Practices
The Federal Judicial Center’s Professional Education Institute has identified Leadership Practices needed to help Court employees meet current and future challenges. Among those practices for all outstanding leaders are:
- Communicate Effectively
- Develops People
- Values Diversity
- Manages Conflict
- Leads with Maturity and Passion
- Focuses on Outcomes
Benefits
The Judiciary offers multiple insurance programs to provide peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones.
Please visit http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits
This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) for payment of net earnings.
Miscellaneous
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Submission of false or fraudulent information on or attached to an application may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. All information is subject to verification. Applications and enclosures will not be returned. The most suitable applicants will be invited to participate in an interview and testing at their own expense. Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid. Due to the volume of applications received, the Probation Office may only be able to communicate with those individuals who will be tested or interviewed. The Probation Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement, either of which may occur without prior written notice.
Employees of the U. S. Probation Office are Excepted Service and are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct which will be made available for review by applicants upon request. This position is subject to mandatory electronic deposit of salary payment.
The U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of Louisiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.
How To Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a complete applicant’s packet, which includes: a letter of interest (containing a statement as to why you feel you are the best candidate for the Supervising U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer; a current, detailed resume with salary history; and a completed Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (Form AO 78).
Applications for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (Form AO 78) may be downloaded from the U. S. Courts website www.uscourts.gov. Applicants’ packets must be received by Human Resources no later than 5 p.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, to be considered. Please reference the announcement number in your letter of interest. Applications will not be considered complete until all the items listed above have been received by Human Resources. Applications may be mailed or emailed. If an application is emailed, Human Resources will send a reply email indicating “application received.” If a reply email is not received timely, please call the U.S. Probation Office at 337-593-5195.
Applications may be emailed to: michelle_kennedy@lawp.uscourts.gov (please save attachment as PDF file)
or
Applications may be mailed to:
U.S. Probation Office
Attn: Michelle Kennedy
800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2400
Lafayette, LA 70501
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.