US PROBATION & PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICER DISTRICT OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Vacancy No.: 04-25
Number of Vacancies: 1
Location: Rapid City
Salary: CL 25-28 $48,890-$115,213
commensurate with qualifications
Employment: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: Open until filled, priority given to applications received by April 25, 2025
ABOUT THE POSITION
The U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota is seeking a full-time Probation & Pretrial Services Officer in Rapid City. U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers play an integral role in the administration of justice, community safety, conduct objective investigations, supervise defendants and persons under supervision, interact with collateral agencies, prepare reports, maintain a detailed written record of case activity, and present recommendations to the Court. Officers investigate and prepare bail and presentence reports for the Court and/or supervise defendants and persons under supervision to reduce risk to the community and foster lawful self-management.
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Establishes a working alliance with persons under supervision by developing a genuine helping relationship and providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and a shared agreement on goals.
• Conducts investigations and prepares reports for the Court to assist with detention and sentencing decisions.
• Provides accurate, thorough, and objective information along with best judgment to the Court for the issuance of individualized, fair, and equitable court orders.
• Implements and uses behavioral-based change work methods to achieve the goals of the case plan.
• Interacts with defendants and people under supervision using values such as affirmation, non-judgment, openness, care, and respect.
• Assesses and identifies general risk, risk to do harm, needs, strengths, level of motivation, and imminence for defendants and people under supervision.
• Collaborates with community resources utilizing referrals when necessary.
• Monitors a person’s compliance with the conditions of release and/or supervision and reports to the Court any allegations of non-compliance.
• Develops collaborative strategies and/or interventions to promote lawful self-management.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Documents and maintains detailed written records of meetings and case activity.
• Participates in annual safety training and adheres to the district’s safety policy.
• Embraces diversity among colleagues and communities served.
• At times, extensive travel to other locations within the district may be required.
• May be requested to perform additional duties and/or projects as assigned.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENTS
• Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, adhere to high ethical standards, and demonstrate integrity in fulfilling the district’s vision, mission, values, and strategic plan.
• Prioritize competing demands while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
• Exercise impartiality and discretion with defendants, persons under supervision, courts, justice partners, and communities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed, including nights, weekends, or holidays.
• Promote and maintain a positive work environment which encourages integrity, respect, individual and organizational growth, and a fulfilling work life.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education Requirement
Applicants must possess a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must be from a field of academic study related to human relations and where knowledge was gained in understanding the legal requirements necessary to succeed as a probation officer.
In addition to the minimum required education, classification levels are determined based upon additional education or specialized experience* as indicated below:
Minimum Additional Education and/or Experience
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one of the following academic achievement requirements:
• An overall “B” grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0;
• Standing in the upper third of the class;
• “3.5” average or better in the major field of study, such as business or public administration, human resource management, industrial relations, or psychology; or
• Election to membership in one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies or
• Completion of one academic year (30 semester credits of 45 quarter hours) of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position.
Two years of specialized experience* or completion of a master's degree in a field of study closely related to the position, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Two years of specialized experience.
*Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible experience in fields such as probation, pretrial services, mental health, substance abuse, social work, criminal law, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, public administration, or human relations. Experience as a police, custodial, or security officer, other than criminal investigative experience, does not qualify.
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