About This Position
Probation Support Technicians provide entry-level technical and administrative support to probation officers in areas including assisting with conducting investigations, compiling criminal histories, coordinating with collateral agencies, and performing similar duties under the guidance of a probation officer. The Probation Support Technician(s) may be placed in either the Presentence or Supervision division.
Qualifications
For CL-23 classification level: Possess high school diploma or equivalent and two years of general experience. For CL-24 and CL-25 classification levels: Possess one year of specialized experience. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Education above the high school level may be substituted for required general experience based on one academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) equals one year of general experience. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate 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 generation. 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 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or another related field from an accredited college or university. Having more than two years of general experience and/or having more than one year of specialized experience. Possession of general knowledge of the criminal justice system and probation/parole processes and procedures, and experience working in a federal government or federal court environment. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Word, and WordPerfect. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS: Demonstrating sound ethics and judgment; maintaining a professional demeanor and presence; possessing effective verbal and written communication skills; having the ability to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds; having the ability to handle multiple demands in a fast paced work environment; having the ability to compile information within established time frames and follow detailed instructions accurately; and having the ability to adapt to change.
Major Duties
Assists probation officers and officer assistants in both the presentence investigations and supervision disciplines in managing their caseloads by performing any or all of the following tasks: conducts case file reviews; advises officers and officer assistants of matters needing their attention, such as compiling criminal histories/profiles from a variety of sources; makes chronological entries in supervision case records; conducts records research and retrieval by contacting other agencies by phone or mail to obtain needed documentation for officers and officer assistants; running record checks through local and national databases and files; sets up new supervision case records and performs various file management tasks; assists officers and officer assistants in responding to collateral requests for information; assembles/processes information to the Sentencing Commission; and keeps various logs and records.
Conditions of Employment
Employment is subject to background investigation and verification of information supplied in the application process. This position is subject to a one-year probationary period, which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation Officer. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen immediately following meeting the eligibility requirements.
Education
Minimum requirement is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Applicants will be evaluated based on a careful and thorough review of their applications including their academic credentials and achievements and the length and quality of their relevant experience. If interviewed, applicants will be evaluated based on the effectiveness of their responses in articulating their knowledge, skills, and abilities applicable to the Probation Support Technician position from a performance and conduct standpoint.
Additional Information
Only the most qualified applicants will be interviewed and only those who are interviewed will receive a response regarding their application status. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments (not competitive civil service). Federal benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, health benefits and life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care, retirement benefits, and a tax-deferred savings plan. Participation in the interview process is at the applicant's own expense. Relocation expenses will not be provided. This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay. The United States Probation Office for the Northern District of California reserves the right to modify the conditions of this vacancy announcement or withdraw the vacancy announcement, either of which may occur without prior written notice. This position is subject to a one-year probationary period, which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief U.S. Probation Officer. During the probationary period, the employee will not have recourse through the Probation Office's Adverse Action Policy or the Grievance Procedure Policy. However, the employee may have recourse under the Probation Office's Employment Dispute Resolution Policy. The U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply
In one PDF document in the following order, applicants must digitally submit the below listed documents. A letter of interest with the Job Code listed; A resume; The Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78 [version 5/24]), including Question Numbers 19, 20, and 21 in the Optional Background Information Section of the Application on Page 5 of 5. Copies of their two most recent completed and signed performance evaluations; AND Electronic official college transcripts* (this can be emailed to the email address below separately). * Official college transcripts are not required for internal candidates. Application materials will not be considered complete until all the items listed above have been received by Human Resources. Illegible or incomplete or partially completed application materials will not be considered. Do not submit the same application materials more than once. It is required that you submit your application materials as a single PDF document via e-mail to: [email protected]. Official college transcripts can be emailed by the college to the email listed or emailed to [email protected]. All other application materials received by mail, fax, or any other means other than by e-mail to [email protected] will not be considered.
Required Documents
A letter of interest with the Job Code listed; A resume; The Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78 [version 5/24]), including Question Numbers 19, 20, and 21 in the Optional Background Information Section of the Application on Page 5 of 5. Copies of their two most recent completed and signed performance evaluations; AND Electronic official college transcripts* (this can be emailed to the email address below separately). * Official college transcripts are not required for internal candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Probation Support Technician position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $50,438 - $100,341/yr. This is a CL-23/25 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Probation Support Technician job located?
This position is located in San Francisco, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
For CL-23 classification level: Possess high school diploma or equivalent and two years of general experience. For CL-24 and CL-25 classification levels: Possess one year of specialized experience. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the partic...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 20, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does CL-23/25 mean?
CL-23/25 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.