US Probation Officer

[NeverReturnKid]

Took a test and had the first interview for a position in the Western District of Texas. Did not get called back for the second interview. I just got invited to test for a position in the Southern District of Texas. I think the fact that I don't speak Spanish may be holding me back.

[jdg0044]

Any updates from those who were going through the hiring process?

[PSOSAC]

I know this position is in the excepted service but does anyone know their policy/practice for veterans preference? I have local le, federal corrections, a BA with 3.75, a grad certificate, and am a 10 pt vet. I'm not holding my breath for this position but figure it won't hurt to apply.

Unfortunately, veterans preference does NOT apply to expected service positions, especially with the federal courts. They hire who they want when they want. Quick story, while interviewing at a different district i was advised i could be fired at any time for things as minor as wearing the "wrong color tie to court."

With that being said, you could get lucky and apply to a District where the chief is a Vet or the chief district court judge (probation chief's boss) is encouraging the hiring of Vets.

[sciens]

...That's why I'm curious as to how vet preference is handled as it may be able to help me get in the top range.

Based on my experience of applying, as a 5 point vet, I am not sure veteran's preference played too much of a role in me getting hired. I applied to many, many districts and I had a good amount of rejections or no responses, but ultimately the veteran status won't hurt as it can help you stand out. For my district (and probably like most), the typical background is for officers to have had prior experience as a state PO or possibly a social worker / treatment specialist background. I had no PO or social work experience, so I'm proof that one can be hired without the typical background. (A lot of districts have probably seen officers retiring/leaving without new hires coming in, which is probably why there are so many vacancies across the board.)

BTW I think you have a pretty good background too. Oorah. Just don't get disappointed with rejections or nothingness and keep on applying.

[3531Marine]

no sarcasm at all. I'll admit I'm being lazy and not checking back on previous posts, but are you willing to relocate? California is offering multiple positions clearly titled "Entry Level." The Dallas Fort Worth Area also has multiple openings.

I am willing to relocate, I'll have to look in to that, thanks. From my understanding California DOC (and I'm assuming parole is a division of that) pays way higher than the Feds so it can be a good state to get in to federal jobs as the competition may be a little less.

[Nick2]

Is this sarcasm? If not then I appreciate the complement but still think that I am lacking some things that applicants in the top 20 percent have. That's why I'm curious as to how vet preference is handled as it may be able to help me get in the top range.

no sarcasm at all. I'll admit I'm being lazy and not checking back on previous posts, but are you willing to relocate? California is offering multiple positions clearly titled "Entry Level." The Dallas Fort Worth Area also has multiple openings. I lack experience as well. My state hasn't hired probation officers in years due to a bizarrely convoluted hiring process.

[Nick2]

no sarcasm at all

[dsb05c]

Keep applying. We have people who weren't state probation officers before.

[3531Marine]

It's only a Graduate Certificate, which is only 18 credits (essentially half of a masters), so I am a little behind on that. A while back I spoke with a PO from the office that I applied to and he said he got hired on right out of grad school with no LE, probation, or military experience. I don't recall how long he's been on but don't think it's been longer than a decade. My lack of probation experience is by far my biggest set back, especially if the office places less emphasis on LE. Regardless, I will let you guys know if I continue past the application stage.

[dsb05c]

I'm not sure how it is handled in my district. We have vets but never heard them mention vet pref and getting on board. The issue is that each district operates almost as a independent agency so what is impressive with vary from district to district. Some are more LE centered and some social service. But your resume does sound impressive. Having a masters is almost becoming standard in my district with the new hires.

[3531Marine]

Sounds like a pretty outstanding resume to me.

Is this sarcasm? If not then I appreciate the complement but still think that I am lacking some things that applicants in the top 20 percent have. That's why I'm curious as to how vet preference is handled as it may be able to help me get in the top range.

[Nick2]

I know this position is in the excepted service but does anyone know their policy/practice for veterans preference? I have local le, federal corrections, a BA with 3.75, a grad certificate, and am a 10 pt vet. I'm not holding my breath for this position but figure it won't hurt to apply.

Sounds like a pretty outstanding resume to me.

[3531Marine]

I know this position is in the excepted service but does anyone know their policy/practice for veterans preference? I have local le, federal corrections, a BA with 3.75, a grad certificate, and am a 10 pt vet. I'm not holding my breath for this position but figure it won't hurt to apply.

[DaBulls]

Thanks man. We've spoken on PM before. I'm a fellow USF Bull, hence the screen name. I'm sending you a PM now.

[dsb05c]

Good luck, pm me if you have any questions