Deputy Probation Officer - Lateral

County of San Mateo; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A county probation department in California is seeking experienced Deputy Probation Officers to engage with at-risk individuals and ensure community safety. The role requires applicants to have two years of relevant experience and specific certifications. Candidates will interview probationers, formulate plans, and collaborate with community resources. This is not an entry-level position and requires a commitment to evidence-based practices.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time experience in a California County Probation Department.
• Completion of a certified California POST or STC-approved P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course.
• Completion of a certified Probation Officer Core training course.

Responsibilities

• Interview adults or juveniles and their families to assess their challenges.
• Formulate probation plans and present recommendations.
• Supervise the welfare and conduct of probationers.

Skills

Interviewing effectively

Effective communication

Crisis intervention principles

Understanding complex legal documents

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Tools

California vehicle code knowledge

Job description

Are you an experienced Probation Officer? The County of San Mateo Probation Department is seeking current officers for the position of Deputy Probation Officer - Lateral.

The San Mateo County Probation Department’s role as a partner in the County’s criminal justice system is to contribute to community safety through its law enforcement, court services, pre‑trial, supervision and treatment referral functions. To learn more about the department, visit https://www.smcgov.org/probation.

About The Position

Each day, Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) have the opportunity to contribute to community safety by actively engaging with at‑risk youth and adults. Our department is firmly dedicated to implementing the most effective evidence‑based, equitable, and trauma‑informed practices to uplift and empower the individuals under our supervision. DPOs work in close cooperation with the County’s criminal justice system and partner with Community‑Based Organizations to offer guidance and support to the population we serve.

Deputy Probation Officer II

Deputy Probation Officer II is the journey level class of this series. Under direction, incumbents independently perform a variety of complex assignments primarily in the areas of intake, investigation, or supervision. This class is distinguished from Deputy Probation Officer III in that the latter has acquired greater work experience and technical competence and handles the exceptionally difficult cases requiring a high level of intensive probation casework. The III level may also mentor or train other staff in areas in which they possess expertise, provide lead direction or substitute for the supervisor on a short‑term basis.

Important

This is NOT an ENTRY‑LEVEL POSITION. Successful candidates must have two years of full‑time (4160 hours) experience working in a California County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer AND have successfully completed a California POST OR STC‑certified P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course AND a STC‑certified Probation Officer Core course to qualify.

Individuals who are not currently employed full‑time as a Deputy Probation Officer but have a minimum of two years of full‑time experience in a California County Probation Department should not have a separation date greater than six months from the date of application.

To Qualify for This Position, You Must Possess All of the Following:

• Two years of full‑time (4160 hours) experience working in a California County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer.
• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling, or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.
• Completion of a certified California POST or STC‑approved P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course.
• Completion of a certified Probation Officer Core training course as prescribed by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).

Course certificates or proof of completed course are outlined above MUST be attached to the application when submitted or else the application will not be considered.

Duties

• Interview adults or juveniles, their families, and other relevant individuals to assess the nature of their marital, domestic, employment, financial, environmental, or other challenges.
• Formulate probation plans and present recommendations to supervisors and the court.
• Set up and recommend payment schedules for restitution and fines; evaluate restitution claims submitted by victims and assess the probationer’s ability to pay.
• Explain procedures, rights, and responsibilities to probationers.
• Inform juveniles, adults, or their families of available community resources.
• Propose alternative probation plans as needed.
• Obtain releases for medical, psychiatric, or other necessary information about probationers.
• Supervise the welfare and conduct of adults on probation and juveniles under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court, assisting them in complying with court orders.
• Identify treatment, educational, employment, or other programs required by probationers; make referrals and follow up to verify and evaluate services received.
• Take necessary legal actions to report non‑compliance with court orders.
• Initiate court processes when probationers violate probation terms.
• Consult with professionals in law enforcement, medicine, religion, law, and mental health.
• Collaborate with state and local welfare, school, and law enforcement agencies.
• Stay informed of departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Participate in mandatory training programs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience

Two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of an entry level Deputy Probation Officer I in San Mateo County.

Education

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Knowledge of

• Authoritative probation casework objectives, principles, methods and related court procedures.
• Individual and group behavior.
• General resources needed to assist in prevention and control programs relating to delinquency and crime.
• California Penal and Welfare and Institutions, Health and Safety, and Vehicle Codes.
• Problems, needs, attitudes and behavior patterns of adult and juvenile probation and the community.
• Community resources available to probationers.
• Interviewing principles and techniques.
• General symptoms and effects of drug and alcohol use and abuse, emotional disorder and mental illness.
• Counseling and crisis intervention principles and techniques.
• Court procedures.

Skill/Ability to

• Interview effectively and obtain information through interrogation and observation.
• Relate to and communicate effectively with residents of the community.
• Deal effectively with persons under emotional stress.
• Read and interpret complex written material.
• Function as a team member.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, employees, supervisors and the public.
• Interpret legal information effectively.
• Read and understand complex legal documents.
• Prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.
• Work under stress.
• Meet the physical abilities requirements as defined by the California State Board of Corrections.

Licensure/Certification

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.

Other Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age on or before date of appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.

Application/Examination

This recruitment is continuous and may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted five days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department.

Step 1: Application Submission

All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to supplemental questions and copies of required certifications must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.

Step 2: Experience and Training Requirements

Applicants must have two years of full‑time (4160 hours) experience working in a California County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer AND have successfully completed a California POST OR STC‑certified P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course AND a STC‑certified Probation Officer Core course to qualify.

Step 3: Application Appraisal (weight: 100%)

Applicants who meet the experience and training requirements as outlined in Step 2 and meet the qualifications for the position will be placed on the eligible list for a period of six months. After placement on the eligible list, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview with the San Mateo County Probation Department.

For specific questions regarding retirement, the San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association ( www.samcera.org ) can be contacted by email ([e-mail]) or by phone (650‑599‑1234).

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

About The County

Contact: County of San Mateo Human Resources Department.