US Probation Officer

[GBP_12]

Thanks, brown & jdg, I appreciate it.

I just got word that I will be doing a facetime/skipe interview on 1 May. I guess I passed the written. So far I am blown away with the process for the position, unlike anything I've ever encountered. This whole teleinterview thing is a little different too. I wish more agencies were this accommodating, I'm liking them more and more.

Any tips for the interview?

[Dennymac777]

Anyone put in for dallas and hear anything yet? Sent everything to hr in early March but was never given a time frame.

[Nola504]

I do have a question for the PO's out there. How is the work/life balance? I know the majority will say it depends on the district, but I'm just looking for the overall feel. I've worked in LE and the military so I know all about crap schedules.

Thanks

Work from home as much as I want. I work in presentence 7am-4:30 and every payday Friday off

[tx0811]

Anyone put in for dallas and hear anything yet? Sent everything to hr in early March but was never given a time frame.

I applied there early this year and have not heard a peep from HR.

[GBP_12]

It took me a while to hear back, whether is was an acceptance or rejection. This was for Arkansas, Maryland, and Connecticut.

[HMCN]

These are not easy jobs to obtain. They are looking for people with state or local probation or parole experience.

Hi, great forum. Does correctional officer (USBOP) experience count as experience required for USPO?

[PSOSAC]

Hi, great forum. Does correctional officer (USBOP) experience count as experience required for USPO?

Unfortunately, no, it will not count as experience. Most announcements will specifically state the following, or something close to it:

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible casework experience in the investigation or supervision of offenders as a probation, parole or pre-trial services officer is required. Experience earned in a detention or correctional facility, or residential treatment program, is not considered to be qualifying experience. Experience must be earned subsequent to the awarding of the bachelor's degree. Preferred experience includes: Preparing presentence reports for the court and supervising offenders in the community. Supervision experience should include knowledge of evidence based practices in community corrections; these include, but are not limited to, risk assessment, risk-based supervision, cognitive behavioral treatment and motivational interviewing techniques.

[Nola504]

Unfortunately, no, it will not count as experience. Most announcements will specifically state the following, or something close to it:

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible casework experience in the investigation or supervision of offenders as a probation, parole or pre-trial services officer is required. Experience earned in a detention or correctional facility, or residential treatment program, is not considered to be qualifying experience. Experience must be earned subsequent to the awarding of the bachelor's degree. Preferred experience includes: Preparing presentence reports for the court and supervising offenders in the community. Supervision experience should include knowledge of evidence based practices in community corrections; these include, but are not limited to, risk assessment, risk-based supervision, cognitive behavioral treatment and motivational interviewing techniques.

This is exactly correct. What he said. It is kind of unfortunate; however, it really does not apply to what PO's do.

[HMCN]

This is exactly correct. What he said. It is kind of unfortunate; however, it really does not apply to what PO's do.

That is unfortunate, but it is what it is. Thanks for the info guys.

[GA12]

That is unfortunate, but it is what it is. Thanks for the info guys.

I'd still put in for it. My old district would interview CO's and cops. If you've got some stories to tell in an interview and some good experience you might be able to land it. Good luck.

[GBP_12]

I'll echo GA12, I've never served as a P/P officer before and I have an interview today. I have some CO experience and a Masters in CJ. You never know until you try. They worst they say is no thanks and at that point at least you know the answer. Nothing hurts more that what if.

[HMCN]

Really good to know there is hope. Thanks guys.

[20NOutLife]

hi everybody, ive been researching and I cant seem to find the actual payscale for USPO. I know its starts at gl 25- gl27 and gl28 is considered a specialist. But on the uscourt.gov, it only gives the pay structure for gl 25-gl 26 under LEO pay. How is the progression work, starts off at gl 25, then after one year to gl 26 and then another yr to gl 27 and then competitive promotion to SPECIALIST/ GL28? It just a little confusing. Thanks for any help.

[PSOSAC]

hi everybody, ive been researching and I cant seem to find the actual payscale for USPO. I know its starts at gl 25- gl27 and gl28 is considered a specialist. But on the uscourt.gov, it only gives the pay structure for gl 25-gl 26 under LEO pay. How is the progression work, starts off at gl 25, then after one year to gl 26 and then another yr to gl 27 and then competitive promotion to SPECIALIST/ GL28? It just a little confusing. Thanks for any help.

It all depends on the districts hiring practices. Some districts like hiring those with a little less experience at 25's. Then you slowly progress up to a 28, typically one grade per year. There are default steps while in the developemental range (2steps every six months); however, chiefs have the ability to override. Other districts only hire 28's (mine included). 28 is the full performance level for a line officer. Once out of the developemental range the default step is 1 step per year. Specialists are typically 28 - 29's. Supervisors are typically 29 - 30's. Hope this helps!

[20NOutLife]

PSOSAC,

Ok, I'm trying to understand this. If I was to get hired at the GL 25 step 1, after a year, I will be GL 26/1, then after another year, I will be GL27/1, then another year, I will be GL28/1. Then the default steps kicks in every 6 months while in developmental range and then every year at full performance range. And the journeyman level is GL28. This is without any chiefs influences or Quality Step Increase, etc. Just the normal progression period. Also, GL 25 and GL 26 is at law enforcement rates but GL 27- 28 is at normal pay? I just want to calculate what the salary will be like if I decide to take the job. Thank you very much for your help.