U.S. Probation Officer Assistant (Ocala, FL)

FLMP United States Courts • Ocala, FL

2d

About The Position

The United States Probation Office for the Middle District of Florida is seeking qualified applicants for the position of United States Probation Officer Assistant in our Ocala Division. The Middle District of Florida is a progressive district that values continual growth and development and collaborative learning through shared experiences. We believe that leadership is a shared responsibility of all team members, and we expect staff at all levels of the organization to lead from where they stand. We encourage creativity and ingenuity in problem solving.
Geographically, the district covers thirty-five counties from the Georgia border in the northeast to south of Naples on Florida’s southwest coast. There are five divisional offices located in Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, and Fort Myers, and satellite offices in Cocoa and Sarasota.
U.S. Probation Officer Assistants serve in a judiciary law enforcement position and provide technical support and assistance to probation officers in a wide range of areas, including assisting with compiling information for investigations; assisting with and supervising defendants and/or offenders; preparing and drafting reports and correspondence; and assisting with similar operational duties.

Requirements

• CL-24 Must be a high school graduate or equivalent with one year of specialized experience. Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of keyboard skills and use of specialized terminology which demonstrated the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws. Valid driver’s license is required.
• CL-25 Must be a high school graduate or equivalent with two years of specialized experience. Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of keyboard skills and use of specialized terminology which demonstrated the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws. Valid driver’s license is required.
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident seeking citizenship.
• All selected candidates for appointment as an assistant probation officer will be required to undergo a thorough background investigation, pre-employment drug testing and a medical examination.
• Due to the potential danger posed by these offenders, applicants must be in top physical and mental condition, including good distance vision, physical dexterity and stamina, and the ability to work effectively in stressful situations.
• As provided for in the Federal Employees Retirement Act of 1986 (hazardous duty provisions), first time appointees to a covered law enforcement position must not have reached his or her 37th birthday at the time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Applicants must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in typing and computer usage is highly desirable.
• Strong problem resolution skills with ability to meet recurring deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Under the direct guidance of a supervisory officer or senior officer, supervise select lower-risk caseloads of offenders/defendants, which may include placing telephone calls, making home/office contacts and community/field contacts with an experienced officer, and maintaining files and case records.
• Under direct guidance, participate in select investigations as needed for pre-release/furlough, pre-sentencing, and bail reports. Draft and submit select reports and maintain related investigative files and case records. Observe and report to officers/supervisors on the lifestyle, personal problems, and needs of offenders/defendants.
• Assist officers by compiling criminal histories/profiles, running record checks through local and national databases and files, conducting inquiries with collateral agencies, and performing other similar activities. Visit or contact various local, state, and national law enforcement and regulatory agencies to collect and record information. Provide officers with verifiable and supportable documentation to assist in completion of reports and assist in identifying community resources to meet the special needs of offenders/defendants.
• Schedule and conduct urinalysis tests of offenders/defendants, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain paper and computerized records of test results. Inform officers regarding test results. Maintain and mail or transport tests and materials to laboratories for confirmation. Maintain chain of custody of urinalysis testing materials. Maintain inventory of supplies. Enter data and information into the office’s computerized database system. Testify, as necessary, before the court or Parole Commission. Where applicable, may assist officers and non-English speaking offenders/defendants, family members, and witnesses in translating speech, documents, and correspondence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 13 days of vacation for the first three years (increases with tenure)
• 13 days of sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Choice of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans, with optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage
• Federal Employees Retirement System and employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K)
• Salary progression based on acceptable performance
• Mandatory Electronic Fund Transfers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED