Assistant Probation Officer

County of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Sacramento is seeking an Assistant Probation Officer to support juvenile services and probation efforts. The role involves supervision and counseling of youths in detention or under home supervision, with learning under supervision to apply probation principles and techniques.

The position emphasizes handling sensitive situations, applying laws, and coordinating with the probation team to ensure safety and rehabilitation objectives are met.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university.
• Up to one year of related education may be substituted by relevant experience in law enforcement or correctional work.
• Proof of educational requirements may be required with the application.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, learn to apply probation principles and techniques.
• Supervise and counsel individuals detained or housed in juvenile facilities.
• Supervise minors assigned to Work Project; provide close supervision for home supervision.

Skills

juvenile care principles

group dynamics

communication skills

crisis intervention

investigation and evidence

policy and legal understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or behavioral science

Tools

Computers and standard software

Job description

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00pm on:

10/9/26, 1/4/27, 7/6/27

Under supervision, learns to apply the principles and techniques of probation work; supervises and counsels individuals detained in, committed to, or sheltered in one of several County juvenile institutions; supervises minors assigned to Work Project; and provides close supervision of minors placed on home supervision.

Knowledge of

• Principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents
• The growth, development, needs and problems of minors
• Symptoms of behavior disorders
• Group dynamics
• Applicable laws, rules, codes, standards and regulations governing care and treatment of juveniles in juvenile hall, camps, ranches or schools
• Principles of investigation and laws governing search, seizure and preservation of evidence
• Counseling techniques
• Basic housekeeping techniques
• Hygienic standards
• Motivational techniques
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Self-defense techniques
• Arrest procedures
• Appropriate use of force and security techniques
• Rights and liabilities of peace officers
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to

• Secure the respect and confidence of adolescents
• Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior
• Work well as a member of a team
• Exercise good judgment and act calmly in emergency situations
• Recognize subtle changes in behavior
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Effectively organize and prioritize work assignments
• Prepare concise and clear reports
• Maintain records
• Communicate with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university, preferably with a degree in criminal justice, social or another behavioral science.

Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by experience in full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid law enforcement or correctional work in a probation or parole agency, or correctional institution on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

General Qualifications

Criminal History and Background Checks: Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, and pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment. Pursuant to Sacramento County Civil Service Rules, candidates found to have been convicted of a felony will be disqualified.

License Requirement: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, shall be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Compliance with Government Code: Incumbents appointed to this class shall meet the minimum standards set forth in California Government Code, Section 1031.

Certification Requirement: Satisfactory completion of required P.O.S.T. training for Probation Officers as specified in Section 832 of the Penal Code must be completed within one year after appointment as an Assistant Probation Officer. In addition, all appointees shall also be required to complete any other P.O.S.T. or other training required by law or by the department.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, run, stoop, bend and climb stairs.
• Lift individuals, which requires strength, coordination, endurance, and agility.

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions

• Work irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Occasionally have contact with hostile individuals.
• Be subjected to physical and verbal abuse while restraining individuals.

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at [e-mail] or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.