Supervisory Pretrial Services Officer

Summary

The Division of Defendant Engagement and System Support (DESS) is recruiting for a Supervisory Pretrial Services Officer who independently supervises operational functions associated with the full range of PSA's defendant engagement services.

If you enjoy working with criminal justice stakeholders and want to promote public safety, then PSA is the place for you!

This is a secondary law enforcement position for eligible applicants (See the Requirement Section)

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Pretrial Services Agency and Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency employees

Duties

As a Supervisory Pretrial Services Officer, you will:

1. Supervise diagnostic processes and assessment of persons charged with violations of criminal codes in D.C. Superior Court. Activities include interview of defendants, their families and community members and research of relevant law enforcement automated systems to investigate defendant's criminal justice history and offender status; evaluation of defendants for possible drug or alcohol abuse, medical conditions or other circumstances that may affect decisions on release.

2. Supervise staff investigating bench warrant cases of defendants who fail to appear for court ordered appearances, verifying defendants' whereabouts, and investigating compliance with conditions of release. Oversee surrender of defendants with bench warrants to the court.

3. Prepare complex cases or oversee staff preparation of pretrial services reports and reports for cases of failure to appear, with release recommendations for submission to the court prior to the bail hearing. Consider issues such as pending cases, prior convictions or probation status that apply to the defendant; community ties; possibility of substance abuse; flight risk; and public safety risk.

4. Ensure that court documents, reports, recommendations, and other information for the court are prepared in a timely and accurate manner and are responsive to established requirements and that quality control processes are in place for review of documents and recommendations. Ensure that staff attend judicial proceedings, affecting assigned cases, testify as required and help court officers in areas such as development of release orders. Testify on unprecedented or controversial cases, explaining PSA program policy and defending recommendations.

5. Monitor utilization of PSA automated systems by unit staff, including update, search, and preparation of regular and special reports for the court, attorneys or other authorized officials. Ensure that staff apply correctly rules of confidentiality in maintenance, protection and release of records, with the result that records are released to the appropriate people under the appropriate circumstances. Perform quality assurance for the Unit, reviewing automated and manual records, documents for submission to court, and other Unit work products. Assure accuracy and adherence to policy and resolves errors and discrepancies.

6. Supervise assigned staff. Assign work and establishes priorities. Administer leave policies and programs in affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. Counsel employees on performance and administrative issues; interview candidates for positions and recommend personnel actions. Establish performance standards and evaluates employee performance. Identify staff training needs in and identify improvements in operating efficiency and effectiveness.

7. Work with the Program Manager and other Unit supervisors to assure consistency in policies for Unit management, assessment complete office and shift coverage and service to clients; and full utilization of Unit staff in fulfilling the office mission.

8. Perform special projects as assigned to address complex operational problems, issues with quality control or productivity or similar problems. Prepare reports of findings and recommendations for resolution. As approved, prepare internal operating procedures or other guidance for staff.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen

2. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service

3. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation

4. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period, if not already completed

5. May be required to successfully complete a supervisory probationary period, if not already completed

6. All applicants are subject to a comprehensive criminal background investigation, and required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment

7. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice

8. Status applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade

9. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the close of this announcement

10. Selected applicants may be required to complete an online onboarding process.

HOURS: For positions located in the Diagnostic Services Unit, the incumbent of this position may be required to work specific shifts that require unusual hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Selectees can be scheduled to work on any Program team or any shift.

Bargaining Unit Status and Chapter: Not Covered, AFGE Local 1456

This position is designated as a secondary law enforcement position for purposes of law enforcement retirement provisions. Only candidates who have at least 3 years of current federal services in primary law enforcement officer positions OR current federal service in a secondary law enforcement position are eligible for law enforcement retirement coverage while occupying this position. Candidates who do not have the required service under federal law enforcement retirement provisions will be expected to sign a statement acknowledging that he/she will not be covered by law enforcement retirement.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Telework: PSA supports the use of telework to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework based on supervisory approval and in accordance with the Agency's telework policy.

Virtual Position: This position is NOT eligible for remote work.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic professional requirements, and specialized experience requirement below.

Basic Professional Requirement: This position requires a four-year degree in behavioral or social science or other related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience that provides you with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; OR four years of appropriate experience that demonstrate that you have knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; AND

Specialized Experience: To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as experience assessing, evaluating, monitoring the case management, treatment and/or supervision of defendants or offenders in a criminal justice system.

NOTE: Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the experience requirements will result in an "Ineligible" rating.

Education

There is no education substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

1. If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant, you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the ICTAP must be well-qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and meet the well-qualified level (mid-level) of the crediting plan for all factors. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice, SF-50, Notice of Personnel Action, documenting separation, an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated, an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated, OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. Section 833(h) or Section 8456.

2. If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee or former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" and/or a copy of the SF-50 that reflects career or career-conditional tenure, or you will not be considered under the merit promotion process. Also, you should submit your most recent performance appraisal.

3. Veterans' Employment Opportunities Act of 1998: Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active duty service may apply. If you are applying under this provision, please submit a copy of your DD-214 (unedited long version).

4. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.

5. You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; certain Vietnam era and disabled veterans; returned volunteers from the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps Vista , etc. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking, if any, on your application and follow all other instructions for applying shown in this announcement.

6. Reasonable Accommodation, this agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis.

7. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

8. Equal Opportunity Employer: The Pretrial Services Agency is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status or other non-merit based factors.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your rating will be based on your responses to the job specific information provided in your resume. Your resume must clearly show how you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities will result in a rating of "Qualified" by the rating panel.

1. Knowledge of assessment, supervision, or case management of individuals in the criminal justice system

2. Ability to coach and lead staff.

3. Skill in written and verbal communication with individuals in a criminal justice environment.

Once the application process is completed, your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the job requirements. You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training, job- related awards and supervisory appraisal of performance. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your resume will be forwarded to a panel for rating. Category Rating will be used to evaluate applicants using the following categories to further determine which applicants will be referred to the selecting official for final consideration.

Best Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level on all evaluation criteria.

Well Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level on evaluation criteria.

Qualified: Applicants possessing the specialized experience described above.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  1. Your Resume listing hours worked per week, salary, dates of employment and duties performed.
  
  2. Other supporting documents:
  
  • College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education. Transcripts must include the school name, student name, degree and date awarded, if applicable. (Note: If you are selected for the position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day) May be required to satisfy the basic professional requirement.
  • Most recent SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service). (Award Notification of Personnel Actions are not acceptable)
  • DD-214 (member 4 copy) showing honorable discharge, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
  • Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment.
  • Non-competitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Only send documentation as requested/required by this announcement and that directly supports your qualifications for this position.
  
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
  
  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date (10/04/2024) to receive consideration.
  
  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Nehdene Williams at (202) 220-5681 or Nehdene.Williams@psa.gov to obtain instructions on how to submit an alternative application.
  
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Nehdene Williams
  
  Phone
  
  (202) 220-5681
  
  Email
  
  Nehdene.Williams@psa.gov
  
  Address
  
  Defendant Engagement and System Support
  
  633 Indiana Ave., NW
  
  Washington, DC 20004
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the on-line application and supporting documents are received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume listing hours worked per week, salary, dates of employment and duties performed.

2. Other supporting documents:

• College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education. Transcripts must include the school name, student name, degree and date awarded, if applicable. (Note: If you are selected for the position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day) May be required to satisfy the basic professional requirement.
• Most recent SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service). (Award Notification of Personnel Actions are not acceptable)
• DD-214 (member 4 copy) showing honorable discharge, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
• Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment.
• Non-competitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Only send documentation as requested/required by this announcement and that directly supports your qualifications for this position.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date (10/04/2024) to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
• You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
• You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
• To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Nehdene Williams at (202) 220-5681 or Nehdene.Williams@psa.gov to obtain instructions on how to submit an alternative application.

Agency contact information

Nehdene Williams

Phone

(202) 220-5681

Email

Nehdene.Williams@psa.gov

Address

Defendant Engagement and System Support

633 Indiana Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20004

US

Next steps

Once the on-line application and supporting documents are received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request