Deputy Probation Officer II

COUNTY OF MENDOCINO; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Mendocino is seeking a Deputy Probation Officer I to investigate cases, prepare reports, monitor probationers, and recommend dispositions in court under general supervision.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply; duties include interviewing, casework, sentencing recommendations, and coordinating services with agencies. Education requires an associate degree; valid driver’s license and background check required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, or related field and 1 year experience as Deputy Probation Officer I or equivalent.
• Combination of related education, training, and experience may substitute for education requirement.
• Licenses: Penal Code 832, State Corrections Authority Core Course, valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of misdemeanor and/or felony probationers and monitor adherence to terms.
• Assess, investigate, evaluate, and recommend disposition for each case.
• Arrange and monitor placement in rehabilitation, treatment, or other programs.
• Compile reports on probationers’ personal, social, educational, financial, health, and involvement details.
• Testify in court for detention, disposition, and probation hearings.

Skills

Report writing

Interviewing

Casework

Policy interpretation

Communication

Education

Associate degree in criminal justice

Related field acceptable

Job description

Under general supervision, primary responsibilities are to investigate assigned cases, prepare written reports and make recommendations to the referring court. Work consists of varied and moderately complex professional duties.

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 misdemeanor and/or felony probationary cases; monitor adherence of probationers with terms of probation; search probationer and residence.
• Assess, investigate, evaluate, and recommend 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 involvements of probationers and present the sentencing recommendations in court.
• Communicate with a wide variety of agencies, probation departments, law enforcement agencies, or other organizations to arrange and maintain needed services for probationers.
• Communicate with Sheriff's Office, Police Department, District Attorney's Office, Probation Department, and/or social service agencies on crime investigation and prevention.
• Intervene in crisis situations; counsel with probationers and/or family members; communicate with involved community and/or private agencies; make referrals as required.
• Maintain records; prepare and process various reports and court documents as needed.
• Arrest and transport probation violators to appropriate location, which may involve physically restraining and/or detaining individuals.
• Appear and/or testify in court for detention, jurisdictional, 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 laboratory; 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 Traffic 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 one (1) year of experience that is the equivalent to that of Deputy Probation Officer I with Mendocino County.

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:

• Penal Code 832
• State Corrections Authority STC Probation Officer Core Course
• Valid Driver's License

Special Requirements:

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

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.
• 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 discrimination.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required lift and/or move over 50 pounds, and to arrest, detain, and/or physically restrain clients.

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.

Examination Process:

All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing:

The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at [phone]. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

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.

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.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer