• U.S. Probation Officers in the Presentence Division conduct presentence investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses. The preparation of these reports requires interviewing defendants and their families; summarizing defendants’ prior criminal records and financial status; investigating the offense and contacting law enforcement agencies and attorneys, conducting home inspections, and collecting and verifying background data from various sources. The purpose of these activities is to gather the information needed to present factual reports to the Court for purposes of sentencing.
• Performs thorough and independent investigations of the offense, offense conduct, and victim impact by using appropriate investigative skills and relying on verified information sources.
• Seeks input from the parties, attorneys, case agents, and other sources to obtain information and evidence associated with each case.
• Obtains and analyzes criminal history information and acquires specific details and documents needed to assess a defendant’s criminal record for consideration at sentencing. Interprets and applies policies and procedures, statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and relevant case law. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of these sources through accurate calculations and correct selection of sentencing options in the presentence report, the sentence recommendation and/or addenda, if applicable.
• Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates of defendants to assess and identify mitigating and aggravating sentencing factors, risk and likely future compliance under supervision and the need for correctional treatment, monitoring and counseling.
• The U.S. Probation Department for the Eastern District of New York’s mission is to make the community safer by facilitating the fair administration of justice, providing opportunities for positive change while maintaining professional integrity, dignity, and respect for all. As a partner in the national federal probation system, the office is guided by the Charter for Excellence.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applicants must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business or public administration, which provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal requirements and human relation skills involved in the position. In addition to possessing a four-year degree, applicants must also have two years of specialized experience or the completion of a master’s degree in a field of study closely related to the position or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Specialized experience is defined as 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/addiction treatment. Experience as a police officer, custodial or security officer, without any criminal investigative experience, is not creditable.

Additionally, transfer applicants must be current Federal Probation/Pretrial Services Officers in good standing, to include consistent, high quality past job experience/performance.

• Experience as a probation officer on a federal, state or county level is desirable.
• Knowledge of federal law and the criminal justice system and how it relates to the roles and functions of a U.S. Probation Officer.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Superior attention to detail.
• Knowledge of automated/internet resources and systems available for conducting background checks, criminal histories, and other investigative databases.

Employees of U.S. Probation Department are not covered by the Office of Personnel Management’s civil service classification system or regulations.

Employees of the U.S. Probation Department are Judicial Branch employees under the U.S. Courts. Judicial employees serve under an "excepted appointment," and are considered "at-will" employees. Probation officers participate in the Federal Law Enforcement Hazardous Duty Retirement program.

Creditable time in service in other federal agencies, or the military, will be added to judiciary employment when computing employee benefits. Positions are subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer (direct deposit).

The Federal Benefits package includes, but is not limited to:

• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Retirement Benefits
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k)-styled program with a government match of up to 5%
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Flexible Benefits Program which includes medical and dependent care

• U.S. Probation Officers in the Presentence Division conduct presentence investigations and prepare reports for the Court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses. The preparation of these reports requires interviewing defendants and their families; summarizing defendants’ prior criminal records and financial status; investigating the offense and contacting law enforcement agencies and attorneys, conducting home inspections, and collecting and verifying background data from various sources. The purpose of these activities is to gather the information needed to present factual reports to the Court for purposes of sentencing.
• Performs thorough and independent investigations of the offense, offense conduct, and victim impact by using appropriate investigative skills and relying on verified information sources.
• Seeks input from the parties, attorneys, case agents, and other sources to obtain information and evidence associated with each case.
• Obtains and analyzes criminal history information and acquires specific details and documents needed to assess a defendant’s criminal record for consideration at sentencing. Interprets and applies policies and procedures, statutes, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and relevant case law. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of these sources through accurate calculations and correct selection of sentencing options in the presentence report, the sentence recommendation and/or addenda, if applicable.
• Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates of defendants to assess and identify mitigating and aggravating sentencing factors, risk and likely future compliance under supervision and the need for correctional treatment, monitoring and counseling.
• The U.S. Probation Department for the Eastern District of New York’s mission is to make the community safer by facilitating the fair administration of justice, providing opportunities for positive change while maintaining professional integrity, dignity, and respect for all. As a partner in the national federal probation system, the office is guided by the Charter for Excellence.

Applicants must submit a complete application packet to include all the required documents listed below in one PDF document:

• Letter of interest, which indicates your knowledge, skills, and experience as they relate to this position (Include vacancy announcement number)
• Resume
• Completed Federal Judiciary Branch Application for Employment – AO78
• College Transcripts

Qualified applicants should upload their documents using our HR Employment Application System located at: HR Employment Application System . All Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Due to the volume of applications received, the U.S. Probation Department will only communicate with those individuals who will be selected for the writing skills assessment and/or interviewed for open positions.

The U.S. Probation Department, Eastern District of New York is not authorized to reimburse candidates for interview or relocation expenses.

The Department reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.