Job Description

Duties

Probation Clerk Specialists provide specialized technical and administrative support to probation officers in a wide range of areas, including assisting with conducting investigations, compiling criminal histories, coordinating with collateral agencies, and performing similar duties under the guidance of a supervising clerk, administrative manager and/or a probation officer.

Work is generally performed in an office setting where persons with violent backgrounds are usually present. Work outside the normal business hours and regular travel within the District is required. Light to moderate lifting may be required.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs receptionist duties by greeting visitors/clients in person and on the telephone. Answers routine questions and directs visitors/callers/clients to the appropriate person or department.
• Prioritizes and completes work assignments from the Clerical Assignment Application within established time frame and electronically submits documents to the Court or other agencies. Manages workload under time constraints.
• Assist probation officers in compiling criminal histories/profiles, running record checks through local and national databases and files, conducting inquiries with collateral agencies, collecting verifiable and supportable documentation and performing similar activities. Enter data and information into the office\'s computerized database system.
• Prepare and process forms and documents, ensuring consistency and accuracy among court-supplied documents, officer reports, and related paperwork. Contact various local, state, and national law enforcement and regulatory agencies to collect and record information to assist with investigations. Obtain related records regarding clients, following established practices and protocols. Prepare and update case files and reports investigation and supervision, at the direction of an officer and in accordance with established policies and practices. Format, type, and edits reports prepared by officers.
• Scans and uploads incoming mail/faxes into client electronic case file and PACTS. Distributes incoming mail to appropriate staff or offices. Utilizes and maintains mail meter machine and processes outgoing mail. Sends out urine samples as required.
• Assists probation officer in assigning new investigations. Creates electronic case files in accordance with established case management procedures. Electronically transmits appropriate documents to the Bureau of Prisons and Sentencing Commission. Transfers and receives case files to and from other districts.
• Prepares travel payment vouchers in accordance to local/national policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) seeking U.S. citizenship, or must complete an affidavit indicating their intent to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.
• Completion of FBI Fingerprint Background Check with periodic reinvestigation, if applicable.
• Employment will be provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the required background investigation. Retention depends upon a favorable suitability determination.
• Employees are subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer.
• Except for Probation Officers, employees are considered "At-Will".
• Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Qualifications

Qualifications must be met at the time of the application.

Required:
High school graduation or equivalent with a minimum of one year of specialized experience. To be considered for placement above the minimum, at least two years of specialized experience is required.

Specialized Experience: is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrates the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software and equipment for word processing, data entry or report generations. Such experience is commonly encountered in law firms, legal counsel offices, banking and credit firms, educational institutions, social service organizations, insurance companies, real estate and title offices, and corporate headquarters or human resources/payroll operations.

Preferred:

• Specialized experience in a social services, community corrections, court and/or legal environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, WordPerfect, and e-mail applications.

Personal Attributes and Skills:
The ideal candidate will:

• Possess good writing and communication skills.
• Possess sound ethics and judgment.
• Have the ability to organize and prioritize work assignments, work under pressure of short deadlines, and have the ability to work harmoniously with others in a team-oriented work environment.
• Be proficient in problem solving and identifying alternative solutions and possess the ability to make timely and effective decisions.

Education

High school graduation or equivalent.

Additional information

Benefits:
Local (when/where available): Federal Court employees receive local benefits outlined here.
National: Federal Court employees receive national benefits outlined here.

MIEP MISSION
The United States Probation Department for the Eastern District of Michigan is a component of the United States Courts. The department is responsible for community corrections.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse organization that provides factual investigations, quality supervision and support services to the United States Courts. We are dedicated to enforcing Court ordered sanctions, minimizing risk to the public, and providing persons under supervision with the opportunity for correctional treatment.

The Court reserves the right to fill more than the advertised number of positions with this announcement, may modify the conditions of this job announcement, or may withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Benefits
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How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Application materials that do not adhere to this procedure may not be considered. Applicant materials submitted in addition to the required documents will not be considered or retained. Separate applications must be made to individual vacancy announcements. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. A basic skills assessment may be administered. Travel reimbursement in connection with the selection process and/or relocation is not authorized.

• Benefits
  Review our benefits
• 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. Please read the "How to Apply" section.
  

  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
  
  Applicants must submit a single PDF document to apply@MIED.uscourts.gov with:
  • Cover letter (include vacancy number)
  • Resume
  • Completed application Form AO-78
  
  

  Agency contact information

  Human Resources

  
  
  

  Phone

  313-234-5065

  Email

  hr@mied.uscourts.gov
  

  Address

  
  US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  231 W. Lafayette Blvd.
  Room 890
  Detroit, MI 48226
  US

  Next steps

  
  Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
• Fair and Transparent
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Please read the "How to Apply" section.

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.

Help

This job is open to

• 
  

  The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.