The Southern District of Illinois geographically consists of a 38 county area in the southern part
of the state. The main office is located in East St. Louis, Illinois, with a divisional office in Benton,
Illinois. The district consists of 48 staff, including the Chief U.S. Probation Officer (CUSPO),
Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer (DCUSPO), management staff, probation officers, and
administrative staff.
Position Overview
Under the general supervision of the CUSPO, DCUSPO, and Supervisory Probation Officer, the
U.S. Probation Officer (USPO) conducts investigations and supervises people placed on
probation, parole, and supervised release. Duties also may include conducting pretrial
investigations to obtain background information and preparing reports for the court with
recommendations on if a defendant should be detained or released on bond pending a disposition
of the charge. The USPO gathers comprehensive factual information, which is verified through
collateral resources, and provides written and/or veerbal assistance to the court regarding pretrial
procedures in a clear, logical, and concise format.
The USPO conducts presentence investigations, interprets and applies the U.S. Sentencing
Commission guidelines and relevant case law, and prepares reports for the court with
recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses.
Duties also may include supervision of individuals to maximize adherence to court-ordered
conditions, reduce risk to the community, and provide correctional treatment. The supervision
process involves maintaining personal contact with people under supervision through community
visits and office/telephone contacts; investigating employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and
associates to assess risk and compliance; detecting substance abuse through urine collection
and other methods; referring people under supervision to agencies for treatment; etc. The USPO
also submits reports to the court and provides testimony during court hearings.
Qualification Standards
Applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of
academic study that provides evidence of the capacity to understand and apply the legal
requirements and human relations skills involved in the position. Applicant also must have one
year of specialized experience or superior academic achievement requirements or completion of
one academic year of graduate work in a field of study closely related to the position. A master’s
degree is desirable.
Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience in such fields as probation,
pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, or work in substance abuse/addiction
treatment, public administration, human relations, social work, psychology, or mental health.
Unless previous positions included criminal investigative experience, time spent as a police,
custodial, or security officer is not creditable.
Additional Preferences
To qualify for this position, applicant also must demonstrate that he/she/they possess:
a thorough knowledge of the philosophy, theories, and practices of the correctional field,
with a knowledge of law, psychology, sociology, criminology, and evidence-based
practices.
a devotion to the protection of the community.
the ability to develop rapport with people, inspire confidence, and secure cooperation.
unquestioned integrity and exemplary character.
the ability to exercise initiative in conflict resolution while performing assigned duties.
the ability to conduct investigations of cases and make sound evaluations and
recommendations.
a knowledge of available community resources and the understanding and skill to identify
additional resources.
a history that demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively meet
deadlines.
the ability to perform effectively in a team-oriented work environment.
Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office are “Excepted Appointments” and
considered “At-Will” judicial employees (not civil service). Federal benefits include paid vacation
and sick leave, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include health, life, and
long-term care insurance, flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care, dental and
vision insurance, and a tax-deferred savings plan. For more detailed information about Federal
Judiciary benefits, please visit the United States Courts website at
https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits. This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund
transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay.
Physical Requirements, Medical Standards, And Maximum Entry Age
This is a hazardous duty position that requires the investigation and management of people who
allegedly committed a crime or have been convicted of a crime, who present physical danger to
officers and to the public. In the supervision, treatment, and control of these people, these duties
require moderate to arduous physical exercise, including prolonged periods of walking and
standing, the physical dexterity and coordination necessary to operate a firearm, and use of selfdefense tactics. On a daily basis, these officers face unusual mental and physical stress because
they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals,
many times in the community, who are suspected or convicted of committing federal offenses.
Because officers must effectively deal with physical attacks and are subject to moderate and
arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable. The medical requirements for
Probation Officers Are Available For Public View At