Deputy Chief Probation Officer

County of Sonoma (CA); Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

County of Sonoma is seeking a Deputy Chief Probation Officer to lead and direct operations across probation divisions. The role requires strategic leadership, budget oversight, contract management, and collaboration with county departments and justice partners to advance evidence-based practices in probation services.

The ideal candidate will have executive leadership capabilities, extensive knowledge of adult and juvenile probation operations, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Two years of broad and progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience including working with peace officers in community corrections, probation, parole, or the criminal justice system.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or closely related field.
• Applicants must meet minimum peace officer standards per California Government Code; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee operations of assigned divisions; provide strategic leadership.
• Oversee divisional budgets, staffing, contracts, and resource allocation.
• Analyze legislative changes and implement policies, procedures, and operational improvements.
• Lead departmental initiatives and organizational change; develop programs.
• Oversee personnel matters including hiring recommendations, disciplinary actions, and investigations.
• Represent the department in labor relations and collaborate with stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or closely related field

Job description

Deputy Chief Probation Officer

Starting salary up to $102.15/hour ($213,199/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

The Sonoma County Probation Department is committed to enhancing public safety, promoting accountability, and supporting positive behavioral change. Through evidence-based practices, rehabilitation programs, and collaboration with community partners and justice agencies, the department works to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth, adults, and families.

About the Position

As a member of the Probation Department's executive management team, the Deputy Chief Probation Officer (DCPO) is responsible for directing and overseeing the operations of assigned divisions, providing strategic leadership, and supporting the implementation of departmental goals and initiatives. The DCPO works collaboratively with County departments, justice partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders to support effective probation services. Additional responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership, guidance, and professional development to division directors, managers, and staff
• Overseeing divisional budgets, staffing needs, contracts, and resource allocation
• Analyzing legislative changes and implementing policies, procedures, and operational improvements
• Leading departmental initiatives, organizational change, and program development
• Overseeing personnel matters, including hiring recommendations, disciplinary actions, and investigations
• Representing the department in labor relations matters and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
• Acting on behalf of the Chief Probation Officer as needed

The ideal candidate will possess superb executive leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, along with extensive knowledge of adult and juvenile probation operations and community corrections practices. They will demonstrate the ability to lead organizational initiatives, develop effective managers, and build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners. They will also possess many of the following:

• Experience managing complex operations and budgets
• Thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and evidence-based practices in community corrections
• Experience implementing organizational change and evaluating program effectiveness
• Knowledge of labor relations practices and personnel management
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, both written and verbal
• A commitment to equity, professional integrity, and effective public service

Effective 5/8/23, individuals who possess United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident OR have the legal authorization to work in the United States under federal law, will be considered to meet the citizenship minimum standards for this position.

What We Offer

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays
• Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $1,170 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 5% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Managers Association (SCLEMA).

Experience

Normally, two years of broad and progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience that includes working with peace officers in community corrections, probation, parole, or the criminal justice system; OR two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Division Director II; or three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Division Director I; or comparable job class of another county.

Education

Normally, graduation from a four‑year college or university with a degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or closely related field.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031, including but not limited to: no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned), good moral character as determined by thorough background check, submission of fingerprints for purpose of a criminal record check, and be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the powers of a peace officer. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

License

Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending on assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised in this announcement requires possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge and Ability

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of administration, including the organization and management of modern probation services; laws, codes, and statutes relating to the functions, duties, and prerogatives of the Chief Probation Officer; principles, methods, techniques, and services involved in modern probation work; effective supervisory techniques, personnel procedures and program budget management and development of budgets; general community resources necessary to assist in crime and delinquency prevention; written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition; community resources available for specialized treatment of probation clients.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices relating to modern budget, programs, and systems management; operations and functions of County government.

Ability to: effectively plan, organize, and direct the operations of the Adult and Juvenile Probation Services Divisions or Institutional Division; analyze administrative problems, reach practical conclusions, and institute effective changes; effectively assemble, organize, and present in written and/or oral form, reports containing alternative solutions and recommendations regarding specific resources, plans, and policies; understand, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and ordinances, and State, Federal, and local legislation; establish and maintain effective working and personal working relationships with employees, clients, public officials, and the general public; speak clearly and concisely before groups and audiences; effectively train and evaluate subordinate unit supervisors; investigate, evaluate, and analyze Adult and Juvenile Probation Division or Institutional Division functions, and make appropriate changes necessary to meet established policies and goals of the Probation Department.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.