Description

The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office, United States District Court for the Western 
District of Missouri, is accepting applications for the position of United States Probation Officer in the
Kansas City office.

Duties and Responsibilities
The probation officer performs functions that aid judicial officers in making informed decisions on persons 
charged with and convicted of criminal offenses; and in supervising persons to assure their compliance with 
the conditions of release. An officer also assists the U.S. Attorney’s Office with its pretrial diversion 
program. The incumbent’s duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal 
  offense upon arrest, or concerning persons considered for the pretrial diversion program.
• Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judicial officer prior to a person's initial court 
  appearance with an assessment of the risk of nonappearance and danger to the community, and a 
  recommendation for release or detention according to the factors noted in the Bail Reform Act of 
  1984 as amended.
• Prepares a report for the U. S. Attorney’s Office on persons considered for the pretrial diversion 
  program and supervises persons accepted into the program by monitoring their conditions.
• Conducts investigations and prepares presentence reports for the U.S. District Court with 
  recommendations for sentencing offenders convicted of federal offenses. These reports require 
  interviewing defendants and their families, investigating the offense, prior record, and financial 
  status of the defendant, and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of crimes, 
  schools, churches, and civic organizations. The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the 
  defendant’s background, to assess the probability of future criminal behavior; and determine profit 
  from the offense, restitution, and the defendant’s ability to pay fines and costs of prosecution, 
  incarceration, and costs of supervision.
• Interprets and applies U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Following disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyzes any objections and determines 
  appropriate course of action. Such actions include resolving disputed issues and/or presenting 
  unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
• Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court. Responds to judicial 
  officer’s request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and 
  guidelines applications. Serves as resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.
• Supervises defendants and offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to 
  the community, and provide correctional treatment.
• Maintains personal contact with defendants and offenders through office and community visits and 
  by telephone. Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk 
  and compliance. Responsible for detection of substance abuse; and through assessment and 
  counseling, implements the necessary treatment or violation proceedings of appropriate offenders. 
  Refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, 
  employment, and training.
• Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions; conducts 
  preliminary interviews and other investigations as required; and maintains a detailed written record 
  of case activity.
• Initiates contacts with, replies to, and seeks information from organizations and persons such as the 
  U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys concerning offenders’ behavior and 
  sanctions. Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepares 
  reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines. 
  Makes recommendations for disposition. Testifies at court or parole hearings

Requirements

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in criminal justice,
criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, business, or public administration. 

Specialized Experience
Progressively responsible experience, following completion of a bachelor’s degree, in such fields as 
probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction 
treatment/mental health services.

Physical Requirements and Maximum Entry Age
Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate arduous physical 
exertion, applicants must be physically capable of doing field work and possess a valid driver’s license. 
First time appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. 

Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position will undergo a medical examination 
and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the 
selectee may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the 
court. In addition, as conditions of employment, incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug 
screening, updated background investigations every five years and as deemed necessary by 
management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations. 

The medical requirements and the essential job functions derived from the medical guidelines for probation 
officers are available for public review at: http://www.uscourts.gov/.

Prior to appointment, applicants considered for this position will undergo a full background investigation.

Application Procedures
Candidates must submit copies of college and graduate school transcripts, a letter of interest which 
addresses their skills and experience, a current resume, and an application for Federal Employment, form 
AO 78.
                                                          Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment
Part of the screening process will include an evaluation of the applicant's writing ability. Therefore, as a separate 
submission, please explain why you have chosen to pursue a career as a U.S. Probation Officer, and describe 
the knowledge, skills, and abilities you will bring to the position to benefit the United States Probation and 
Pretrial Services Office. 

Please send packet in one PDF or Word file to: michele_nelson@mow.uscourts.gov

This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Fund Transfer participation for payment of net pay. The 
United States Probation Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Only applicants invited for an interview 
will be contacted. The Court reserves the right to change the announcement