Summary This is a law enforcement position located in Syracuse, New York. The successful candidate will train and work under the guidance and direction of a Supervisory Officer. The successful candidate will be assigned to the Investigations Unit. Responsibilities Investigate defendants and make recommendations to the Court related to matters of bail. 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, investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the defendant, and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, crime victims, and other collateral organizations. An integral part of the process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law. Following disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyze any objections and determine appropriate course of action which includes resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved issues to the Court for resolution. Present presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the Court. Respond to judicial officer's requests. Serve as a resource to the Court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence. Requirements Conditions of Employment BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, DRUG SCREENING & MEDICAL STANDARDS: As part of the interview process and due to the sensitivity level of this position, candidates will be asked about their background including criminal history and illegal drug use. In addition, candidates must complete the AO-78, questions 18-20 regarding criminal history. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process. Prior to appointment, the final candidate considered for this position will undergo a medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the candidate may then be appointed provisionally, pending a favorable suitability determination by the Court. The final candidate must also successfully complete a ten-year background investigation conducted by the Office of Personnel Management. In addition, as conditions of employment, the 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. U.S. Probation Officers are covered under the federal law enforcement retirement provisions that requires mandatory separation at age 57 with at least 20 years of service. Therefore, first-time U.S. Probation Officer appointees must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment. Qualifications PREFERRED SKILLS: Strong writing skills are essential to be a successful presentence and pretrial investigator. Candidates chosen for an interview may have to complete a writing sample during the interview process. Candidates must also possess strong verbal communication skills. Must be mature, responsible, organized, inquisitive, and demonstrate sound ethics and judgment. Must possess a positive attitude, integrity, initiative, and the ability to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds. Must work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines. Additional preferred skills include fluency in a foreign language and licensure or certification in a behavioral science. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Some experience in a human services field such as probation, pretrial services, parole, criminal investigations, or work in substance/addiction or mental health treatment is preferred but not required. Duties and responsibilities will progressively increase in complexity and volume over time. Experience as a police officer, custodial officer, or security officer, is not creditable. Education Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of academic study, such as criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or business or public administration is required. A valid driver's license is required. Additional Information