Temporary Probation Services Technician

This position is located in the Probation Department for the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan and reports directly to the assigned Supervising U.S. Probation Officer.  Under the direction of a U.S. Probation Officer, the employee assists with the investigation and supervision of persons charged with and convicted of committing federal crimes by providing technical and administrative support for the U.S. Probation Officers in a wide range of areas, including conducting investigations, compiling criminal histories, coordinating with collateral agencies, and performing other similar duties as assigned. 

Work is generally performed in an office setting, where persons with violent backgrounds may be present.  Light lifting of boxes of case records and office supplies is required.  Occasional travel within and outside of the District may be required.  The work may require occasional work outside the normal Court hours.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

Under the direction of a U.S. Probation Officer:

• Conducts case file reviews and advises officers and officer assistants of matters needing their attention and prepares applicable forms, documents, and reports.
• Assists U.S. Probation Officers in conducting investigations which includes preparations of prior records and personal family data.
• Assists U.S. Probation Officers in compiling, analyzing, and evaluating information gathered during investigations for presentence reports, supervision files, and court documents.
• Contacts clients and their families by telephone or other electronic correspondence under the direction of U.S. Probation Officers/Officer Assistants. Investigates employment/sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to help assess risk and compliance factors.
• Assists with providing safety information to U.S. Probation Officers in the field.
• Maintains chain of custody of urinalysis materials.  Maintains paper and computerized record of test results and informs officers of test results.  Maintains and mails or transports tests and materials to laboratories for confirmation.
• Operates various criminal justice, law enforcement, and probation automated systems, and enters documentation into PACTS and other databases.
• Participates in ongoing training and development programs.
• Assists with clerical duties, including front desk coverage, processing mail, scanning documents, and routes documents to staff and outside agencies as needed. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications must be met at the time of the application.

Required: 

High school graduation or equivalent with a minimum of one year of specialized experience as defined below. 

Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software and equipment for word processing, data entry or report generation. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than any criminal investigation experience, is not creditable.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in such fields as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration. 
• Currently performing similar duties in a legal, human services, and/or community correction setting.  Similar roles may include case manager, case worker, client services specialist, foster care specialist, child protective services case worker and social worker.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants must submit their application and required documents using the link below.

Application Link

Required Documents:

• Cover letter (include vacancy number AND preferred duty station)
• Resume 
• Completed application Form AO-78

Application materials that do not adhere to this procedure may not be considered. Separate applications must be made to individual vacancy announcements.  Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Travel reimbursement in connection with the selection process and/or relocation is not authorized.

BENEFITS

Local (when/where available):  Federal Court employees receive local benefits outlined here.   

National: Federal Court employees receive national benefits outlined here.