Job Details for Supervisory U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer (Presentence)
| Court Name/Organization | California Central District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office is recruiting for the position of Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer (SUSPO) in the presentence division who is a member of the management team reporting directly to the Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer. The incumbent will be expected to perform a full range of high level functional supervisory work which encompasses the quantity and quality of presentence investigations. The SUSPO administratively and technically supervises a unit of probation officers who serve in a judiciary law enforcement position by assisting in the administration of justice and promoting community safety. This SUSPO oversees a presentence unit in the assigned office. Due to the location of the unit, the SUSPO may also share duties with Pretrial and/or Post-Conviction SUSPOs in oversight of the office coverage. Subsequent to conclusion of the interview process, a ranked list of qualified candidates will be established for selecting a SUSPO. The qualified list of ranked candidates will expire 180 days following its creation. Candidates selected to be ranked will be notified by a member of the Court’s Human Resources Office. The Central District of California serves seven counties and has 28 authorized district judgeships, 12 senior judges, and 24 magistrate judges. The Probation and Pretrial Services Office consists of more than 280 employees spread among 11 office locations. Staff includes probation and pretrial services officers and clerical support positions. The workload in the district entails supervision of over 10,000 defendants, probationers, parolees, and persons on supervised release and the preparation of approximately 3,000 presentence investigations annually. |
| Location | Los Angeles, Santa Ana, CA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 02/19/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 29 - CL 30 |
| Salary | $98,260 - $188,757 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/employment |
| Announcement Number | 25-09 |
Position Description
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ensures staff is conducting thorough presentence investigations and producing top quality and timely presentence reports
- Provides regular office coverage, coordinating with colleagues to ensure SUSPO office presence on a daily basis
- Assists in providing unit/officer coverage, including reading and disclosing reports when SUSPO colleagues are on leave
- Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates work of staff
- Facilitates presentence function in your office/unit
- Collaborates with officers in case planning and investigative process
- Serves as a role model for excellence in presentence investigations
- Maintains expertise in sentencing guidelines, federal statutes, the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 8, relevant case law, and policies and procedures which govern probation and pretrial services
- Clearly communicates expectations and motivates staff and helps employees develop their capabilities to their maximum potential
- Performs supervisor functions such as handling staff issues, carrying out disciplinary actions when required, completing performance evaluations, managing workflow, and overseeing a facility
- Conducts unit meetings and keeps staff informed of the policies and procedures of the organization as a whole and serves as a major communication catalyst and link between line staff and administration
- Trains new staff and evaluates training needs of current staff
- Certifies and approves time and attendance and training/travel vouchers of staff
- Develops cooperative relationships with other agencies
- Helps staff identify the need for and develops community resources
- Performs related duties as required by the ADCUSPO and the court
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of SUSPO, applicants must have a minimum of five years as a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Officer. The successful candidate must have the following: a broad knowledge of the criminal justice system; a comprehensive understanding of federal pretrial services, probation and parole legal requirements, policies and procedures; a thorough knowledge of investigative techniques; a familiarity with a wide variety of resources; superior communication skills, both verbal and written; the ability to organize and work under deadlines; the ability to exercise sound judgement, analyze situations and determine appropriate solutions to problems; the ability to be flexible and adapt to unanticipated needs and problems; the leadership skills required to lead and motivate a staff and provide counseling and training as required; the ability to maintain confidentiality and interact tactfully with a wide variety of individuals; and the ability to work as part of a team.
Expert knowledge of resources available. The successful applicant must have strong skills in conflict management, project management, organizational/time management, problem-solving, showing initiative, working independently, cultivating teamwork, professional ethics, thinking creatively, analyzing information and making recommendations.
Ideal Candidate Will Also Possess These Preferred Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge of management principles, practices, and techniques
- Experience in presentence writing guidelines
First-time appointees to positions covered under federal law enforcement officer retirement provisions must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Applicants age 37 or over who have previous federal law enforcement officer experience under Federal Employees' Retirement System and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may have their previous federal law enforcement experience subtracted from their age to determine whether they meet the maximum age requirement.
Program within one year of being offered the position or when available. To qualify for a CL30, the candidate must have been in a CL29 position for a minimum of one year. If the selected candidate is currently at a CL28 level, he/she will be promoted to a CL29 upon selection and will then be eligible for a promotion to a CL30 after one year at a CL29.
This position is subject to a two-year probationary period, which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer.
Employee Benefits
Total compensation w/employer paid benefits approximate range: $127,738 - $245,384.
In addition to salary, the federal government’s benefits equate to no less than 33% of an employee’s total compensation (see Total Compensation sample below). Federal employees are entitled to federal benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Participation in a defined benefit plan the Federal Employees Retirement System-Further Revised Annuity Employee (FERS-FRAE), and up to 5% matching contributions on retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent). Generous accrual of paid time vacation and sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Paid parental leave after meeting eligibility requirements. Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program on eligible student loans. Commuter subsidies for public transportation to and from work. Extensive online training options and in-person training and professional conferences, funds permitting.
Employer Provided Benefits - Total Compensation Approximation Sample (For Illustration Purposes Only)
- Sample Annual Salary: $60,000
- Retirement Benefits: $17,760
- Health/Life Insurance & Commuter Reimbursement: $15,494
- Paid Time-Off (Holidays & Accrued Leave): $8,538
- Total Compensation: $101,792
Miscellaneous
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ensures staff is conducting thorough presentence investigations and producing top quality and timely presentence reports
- Provides regular office coverage, coordinating with colleagues to ensure SUSPO office presence on a daily basis
- Assists in providing unit/officer coverage, including reading and disclosing reports when SUSPO colleagues are on leave
- Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates work of staff
- Facilitates presentence function in your office/unit
- Collaborates with officers in case planning and investigative process
- Serves as a role model for excellence in presentence investigations
- Maintains expertise in sentencing guidelines, federal statutes, the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 8, relevant case law, and policies and procedures which govern probation and pretrial services
- Clearly communicates expectations and motivates staff and helps employees develop their capabilities to their maximum potential
- Performs supervisor functions such as handling staff issues, carrying out disciplinary actions when required, completing performance evaluations, managing workflow, and overseeing a facility
- Conducts unit meetings and keeps staff informed of the policies and procedures of the organization as a whole and serves as a major communication catalyst and link between line staff and administration
- Trains new staff and evaluates training needs of current staff
- Certifies and approves time and attendance and training/travel vouchers of staff
- Develops cooperative relationships with other agencies
- Helps staff identify the need for and develops community resources
- Performs related duties as required by the ADCUSPO and the court
Application Info
Applications should be submitted to apply_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov. Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference the vacancy number. Complete applications must include the following:
- Cover Letter – Address how your background, skills, and experience meet the qualifications listed
- Resume – Include key career accomplishments
- Two most recent performance evaluations
- One recent Presentence Report non-edited by a SUSPO
- For External Applicants Only: An application for Federal Branch Employment (AO78) (please visit the Court’s website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov to download the AO78 application form)
This recruitment is for a position considered "high-sensitive." To determine suitability for the position, applicants must provide criminal history information on the Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (AO78). Therefore, all questions requesting criminal history information must be answered even if identified as optional. This requirement also applies to any other employment-related forms when requested.
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be interviewed. Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview. Unfortunately, the Court is unable to reimburse applicants for any travel or parking costs.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.