DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER I/II/III
CLASS: Deputy Probation Officer I/II/III
ALLOCATION: Probation
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
UNION AFFILIATION: YCPPOA
JOB SUMMARY:
Performs a variety of professional adult and juvenile probation duties related to case management, field monitoringand investigation, probation supervision, mediation, intake and other programs; coordinates probation activities with those of the Superior Court; ensures compliance w ith court ordered probation conditions through counseling; coordinates community resources to assist probationers to successfully complete the terms of probation; and performs related w ork as required.
This classification is a flexibly staffed position in the protective services category in the professional Probation
Officer series. As experience accrues, the incumbent performs w ith increasing independence and becomes a
candidate for promotion after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency w hich meet the qualifications of the higher level class and successful completion of the Probation Officer Core curriculum approved by the Standards of Training and Corrections.
Deputy Probation Officer I is the entry-level class in this series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents provide probation intake, investigation and case management services w hile learning policies, rules and procedures. Incumbents carry a normal caseload but w ork under relatively close supervision until they develop their skills and know ledge of probation w ork. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified. Work requires incumbents to exercise some judgment in selecting appropriate established guidelines to follow ; interpretation of general administrative or operational policies is necessary.
Deputy Probation Officer II is the journey level class in this series. Under continuing supervision the incumbent is competent to perform a broad spectrum of probation duties for diversified programs. At this level, incumbents work w ith only occasional instruction or assistance. Work is review ed upon completion and for overall results; involves interpretation of policies, procedures and guidelines; and may require the development of recommendations consistent w ith directives, policies and regulations.
Deputy Probation Officer III is the advanced journey level in this series. Under general supervision, incumbent is fully competent to perform the full range of probation duties for diversified programs and handle the more complex, difficult or unusual situations or cases. At this level, incumbents w ork w ith instruction or assistance only when unusual situations occur; perform the role of a mentor to less experienced staff and act as a lead officer in the field or other areas. Incumbents are distinguished from those in the next low er class in that incumbents possess a significant level of functional expertise as demonstrated by the ability to perform difficult and complex assignments which require considerable skill, professional judgment, and thorough know ledge of departmental policy and procedures beyond that expected at the journey level. This class is distinguished from the Senior Deputy Probation Officer in that the latter has programmatic and lead supervisory responsibility and/or may be assigned the most difficult and complex cases.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This position reports directly to the Supervising Deputy Probation Officer or Probation Program Manager. This class is distinguished from the Supervising Deputy Probation Officer in that the latter is a first line supervisor responsible for an assigned group of Deputy Probation Officers.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Essential:
Provides direct field supervision of adult and juvenile offenders including home, employment and school visits, weapons and contraband searches and chemical testing; ensures that conditions of probation are being complied with.
Interview s, investigates, verifies and compiles information and prepares reports regarding the personal, social, educational, financial, vocational, health and/or prior criminal history of probationers referred by law
enforcement agencies, Court officials and social service, group home or juvenile support agencies; explains
conditions of probation; prepares and explains goals to be achieved during probationary period; develops and presents recommendations for case management upon intake or for actions in the event of violation of
probation.
Counsels and advises probationers and their families regarding pertinent personal, social, educational, financial, and vocational matters; provides or refers clients to appropriate support services for medical matters, mediation and crisis intervention situations; provides assistance in obtaining employment, entering school and resolving problems.
Confers and maintains liaison w ith schools, foster or group home services, public guardianship and/or
conservator staff, medical and psychological staff, potential employers and others regarding the probationer and his/her conditions of probations and support requirements.
Investigates and processes probation violations and makes recommendations regarding revocation of probation; arrests, detains and transports probationers as appropriate.
Makes determinations about formally processing cases through the court system and about requiring secured detention prior to court hearing; prepares and submits appropriate legal documents as required for action.
Compiles and maintains a variety of records and case files; w rites reports, statements, legal documents,
correspondence and other w ritten materials; ensures documents are complete and organized for ease of retrieval as needed.
Deputy Probation Officer II (in addition to the above):
Completes more complex pre-sentence and Dispositional reports.
Supervises Placement caseload’ Locates appropriate group and foster homes, completes Federal and State
documents for placement funding.
Provides basic training functions to staff.
Depending on expertise, may act as a mentor to less experienced staff or function as lead officer during field
operations or when carrying out special department projects.
Deputy Probation Officer III (in addition to the above):
Maintains departments’ secure evidence system.
Acts as a mentor to less experienced staff.
Functions as the lead officer during field operations or when carrying out special department projects.
Provides advanced training to departmental staff on applicable laws, court procedures, interviewing and
investigation techniques.
Completes work on sensitive cases.
Exercises greater authority over assignments and decisions required to complete work.
Oversees grant process, collects and maintains grant statistics, completes grant reporting documents.
Reviews court documents in the absence of supervisory staff.
Important:
Comply w ith all County equipment and safety policies and procedures, and California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) rules and regulations.
Uses a variety of standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the w ork; drives a motor
vehicle to transport adult or juveniles, make home visits and attend meetings.
Participates in a variety of community meetings to explain available programs and services.
May train youth volunteers to assist w ith educational/intervention programs
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:
Deputy Probation Officer I:
Basic principles of applied psychology and sociology; human behavior and dynamics
Basic interview ing, teaching, behavior modification and counseling techniques.
Effective report w riting.
Techniques of investigation, research and report preparation.
Methods of arrest and restraint.
Safety practices related to the w ork.
Techniques for dealing w ith a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural
backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often w here relations may be confrontational or strained.
Applicable law s, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Victim' s rights and sentencing laws.
Deputy Probation Officer II (in addition to the above):
Legal terminology, forms, reports, documents and procedures related to adult and juvenile criminal justice
system.
Principles and techniques of adult and juvenile probation; interview ing, teaching, behavior modification and
counseling; social casew ork and case management; and court systems and law enforcement process relating to juveniles and adults.
Community resources for social services and youth and family support.
Available preventative and/or remedial services to adult and juvenile probationers.
Practices and procedures of the adult and juvenile criminal justice system.
Sociology as it relates to cultural groups and community dynamics.
Deputy Probation Officer III (in addition to the above):
Psychology as it relates to individual and group behavior.
The causes, extent, prevention, and control of crime and delinquency.
Principles of theories of human behavior.
Principles and practices of project management (or oversight).
Skill in:
Deputy Probation Officer I:
Observing, interpreting and accurately recording behavioral events.
Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable law s, codes and regulations.
Maintaining accurate case records and records of w ork performed.
Preparing accurate, clear and concise reports, correspondence, court documents and other w ritten materials.
Taking sound independent action in emergency or crisis situation.
Using initiative and independent judgment w ithin established procedural guidelines.
Dealing successfully w ith a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often w here relations may be confrontational or strained.
Applying restraint devices such as handcuffs, etc.
Proper use and deployment of Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray).
Deputy Probation Officer II (in addition to the above):
Developing and monitoring rehabilitation and treatment programs for probationers.
Recognizing and evaluating patterns of adult and juvenile behavior and performing effective crisis intervention and counseling.
Assessing and evaluating the risks of adult and juvenile probationers.
Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
Deputy Probation Officer III (in addition to the above):
Providing project planning, implementation, and oversight.
Effectively managing a large, complex, and diverse caseload.
Ability to:
Deputy Probation Officer I:
Learn the principles and practices of current adult and juvenile probation w ork.
Learn state law s and county ordinances affecting adults and juvenile probation.
Learn current casew ork techniques applicable to probation w ork.
Learn community resources for social services and youth and family support.
Learn practices and procedures of the adult and juvenile criminal justice system.
Learn available preventative and/or remedial services to adult and juvenile probationers.
Read, understand, interpret, follow , apply and communicate departmental policies, procedures, rules, and
regulations.
Prepare and present effective written or oral reports.
Function as a team member.
Learn to intervene in appropriate situations.
Respond to emergency and crisis situations quickly, calmly and effectively.
Effectively deal w ith personal danger
Provide appropriate first aid.
Analyze investigative material and make proper deductions and recommendations.
Determine the truth of statements.
Understand and deal effectively w ith probationers and applicants for probation and w ork effectively w ith a multicultural population.
Give full attention to w hat other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking
questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Deputy Probation Officer II (in addition to the above):
Exercise skilled judgment in probationary matters.
Enforce County and departmental rules, policies and procedures
Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in a variety of conditions.
Establish work priorities.
Interview effectively and obtain information through interrogation and observation.
Deputy Probation Officer III (in addition to the above):
Plan work and carry out projects independently.
Act as a lead in the absence of a supervisor.
Train others in work procedures.
Physical Demands: The physical demands and w ork environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of the job, w ith or w ithout
accommodation. Prospective employees must complete a pre-employment medical exam (Occupational Group V) which w ill measure the ability to:
See w ell enough to read fine print and view a computer screen; speak and hear w ell enough to understand,
respond, and communicate clearly in person and on the telephone; independent body mobility sufficient to stand, sit, w alk, stoop and bend to access the w ork environment (typical court, detention or public safety setting) and a standard office environment; manual dexterity and sufficient use of hands, arms and shoulders to repetitively operate a keyboard and to w rite; and the ability to sit or w alk for prolonged periods of time.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observation and communicating with others.
On an intermittent basis, w ork w ith physical skill and/or strength sufficient to handle emergency situations such as medical emergencies (carry, lift and/or drag heavy objects/equipment or injured or unconscious individuals); defending oneself, and pursuing, disarming, subduing and/or ejecting or restraining resisting probationers which may include effecting arrests, subduing resisting individuals, chasing fleeing subjects, running, climbing, jumping, crouching or craw ling during emergency operations.
Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherw ise move objects or individuals w eighing up to 50 pounds and with or w ithout assistance 100 pounds or more.
Mobility to drive a motor vehicle in order to transport probationers or attend meetings.
Physical and psychological characteristics to meet and maintain appropriate State guidelines.
Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherw ise qualified individuals w ho require and request such accommodation.
Work Environment:
Working conditions are typical public safety setting; involves potential for high stress levels and exposure to
hostile situations.
Work w ith hostile, abusive and/or dangerous individuals.
Must w ork w ith a highly manipulative and psychologically challenging client population; must be able to maintain professional composure and effectiveness.
Work evenings, nights, w eekends and holidays as required.
Exposure to blood/air borne pathogens.
Depending on assignment, tasks may require occasional exposure to adverse w eather conditions (extreme
heat/cold, wet conditions); dust, gas, fumes or chemicals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The minimum and preferred requirements are listed below. While the following requirements outline the minimum qualifications the County reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the job. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee further participation in selection procedures:
Licenses and Certification:
Possess and have the ability to maintain a valid California Class C driver' s license.
Possess or ability to obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Certifications w ithin one year of appointment to
classification and maintain annually thereafter.
Possess or ability to obtain a valid California 832 Peace Officer Certificate w ithin one year of appointment to
classification.
Possess or ability to successfully complete the California State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation,
Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Basic Probation Officer Certificate w ithin one year of appointment to classification.
Must successfully complete additional required certified instruction, annually thereafter.
Special Requirements:
Must meet the State of California requirements for peace officer st atus, including: passing a detailed background investigation w ith a fingerprint check, having no felony convictions, passing a medical and psychological exam, being at least 18 years of age, being a US citizen or a permanent resident alien w ho is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
Depending upon assignment may require the ability to carry, use and care for firearms.
Must meet and maintain appropriate state standards concerning physical and psychological characteristics
Education and Experience:
DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER I:
MINIMUM: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
PREFERRED: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Criminal Justice,
Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Behavioral Science or closely related field AND two years of
experience in a field related to the work.
Deputy Probation Officer II:
MINIMUM: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university AND two years of experience providing probation and casework/counseling services at a level comparable to the County’s class of Deputy
Probation Officer I.
PREFERRED: In addition to the above described experience and required certification, a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work,
Behavioral Science or a closely related field and experience functioning as a lead officer within a
Probation Department; possess a valid California 832 Peace Officer Certificate; and/or a California
State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Basic
Probation Officer Certificate.
Deputy Probation Officer III:
MINIMUM: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university AND one year experience providing
probation and casework/counseling services at a level comparable to the County’s class of Deputy
Probation Officer II.
PREFERRED: In addition to the above experience, a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Behavioral Science or a closely related field and additional upper level related education and additional related experience; possess a valid
California 832 Peace Officer Certificate and/or a California State Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation, Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Basic Probation Officer Certificate.
his class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job. Incumbent may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained here.