Deputy Probation Officer I

County Of Mendocino; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Mendocino is seeking a Deputy Probation Officer I to manage caseloads, conduct assessments, and supervise probationers in both adult and juvenile cases. This role requires strong writing and communication, and the ability to work with a diverse set of community partners.

The position includes conducting drug testing, court appearances, and coordinating rehabilitation or treatment placements, with a focus on public safety and evidence-based practices.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, or related field.
• Six months of related experience in probation, corrections, or related law enforcement work.
• Substitution: 2 years of experience per year of education allowed.
• Valid Driver's License; BSCC STC Probation Officer Core Course within 1 year of job assignment.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of assigned probationary cases and monitor adherence.
• Perform intake for juvenile cases and determine disposition.
• Arrange placement on probation in rehab or treatment programs.
• Prepare and present reports on probationers' background and behavior.
• Coordinate with agencies to arrange needed services.
• Testify in court for detention, disposition, or violation hearings.
• Administer drug tests and process results.
• Maintain records and prepare court documents.

Skills

Human behavior

Interviewing

Records management

Policy knowledge

Communication

Education

Associate degree in criminal justice/behavioral science

Tools

MS Office

Case management systems

Job description

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions in Probation should they occur.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply.

Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage caseload of assigned probationary cases; monitor adherence of probationers with terms of probation; search probationer and residence.
• Perform intake for juvenile cases; assess, investigate, evaluate, and determine disposition for each case.
• Arrange and monitor placement of individuals on probation in rehabilitation, treatment, and/or other programs.
• Compile, investigate, verify, and present reports on personal, social, educational, financial, health, and/or prior criminal involvement of probationers; present sentencing recommendations in court.
• Communicate with a wide variety of agencies, probation departments, law enforcement agencies, schools, or other organizations to arrange and maintain needed services for probationers.
• Communicate with other law enforcement and/or social service agencies on crime investigation and prevention.
• Intervene in crises; counsel with probationers and/or family members; communicate with involved community and/or private agencies; make referrals.
• Maintain records; prepare and process various reports and court documents as needed.
• Make arrest of and transport probation violators to appropriate location, which may involve physically restraining and/or detaining individuals.
• Appear and/or testifies in court for detention, jurisdiction, disposition, and/or violation of probation hearings; attend special and/or annual review and sealing of records per assigned casework in both adult and juvenile cases.
• Perform drug tests following established policies and procedures, including collecting urine specimens; sending specimens to appropriate laboratories; and monitoring and recording test results.
• Monitor payments of fines, fees, and restitution
• Conduct presentations to community groups, organizations, or others as assigned.
• May be appointed by the presiding Juvenile Court Judge to perform the duties of Juvenile Hearing Officer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Associate degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, behavioral science, or a related field

And

Six (6) months of progressively responsible related experience performing duties such as custodial care, treatment counseling, probation, parole, corrections, criminal investigation, or other related law enforcement or counseling work.

Substitution

A combination of related education, training, and experience performing duties such as custodial care, treatment counseling, probation, parole, corrections, criminal investigation, or other related law enforcement or counseling work may be substituted for the education at a rate of two (2) years of experience for each year of education requirement.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License
• Penal Code 832 (within first year of job assignment)
• Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) – Probation Officer Core Course, or applicable substitution as defined by BSCC. (within the first year of job assignment)

Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.

Must meet and maintain all statutory requirements for appointment and continued service as a California peace officer throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of human behavior and applied psychology.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and casework.
• Applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.

Skill in:

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks.
• Understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Testify effectively and professionally in court proceedings and administrative hearings
• Speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, run, and sit; reach with hands and arms; use manual dexterity to operate machinery/tools; handle, seize, hold, or otherwise work with hands; climb, jump, and/or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak and hear; use shape, sound, odor, and color perception and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move over 100 pounds, and arrest, detain, and/or physically restrain clients.

Written testing for qualified Deputy Probation Officer I applicants is currently scheduled for November 17-19, 2026.

Special Requirements:

Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer