Pretrial Program Specialist (Probation) - #1026-RL0505-01

San Joaquin County Probation; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Job summary

San Joaquin County Probation Department is seeking a Pre-Trial Program Specialist to interview defendants, verify histories, and determine program eligibility. The role supports the Pre-Trial Services Unit and requires interviews, data gathering, and preparing reports for court use.

Minimum qualifications include 60 semester units (18 in social/behavioral sciences) and one year of related experience in social services or criminal justice. Valid California driver’s license required.

Qualifications

• Strong interviewing skills and attention to detail in social or behavioral sciences.
• Completion of 60 semester units with at least 18 in social/behavioral sciences.
• Experience in social services, law enforcement, or criminal justice settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with defendants to gather information about criminal, social, and personal history.
• Verify information by contacting references and agencies as needed.
• Evaluate information to determine eligibility for release programs.
• Prepare clear reports, court forms, and required documents.
• Collaborate with judges, attorneys, and probation staff as needed.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of social/behavioral

Education

60 semester units incl 18 in social/behavioral sciences

Job description

This examination is being given to fill 4 vacancies in the Probation Department and to establish an eligible list that may be used to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e‑mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e‑mail often for updates. If you do not have an e‑mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Pre‑Employment Drug Screening:Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Human Resources

Human Resources

44 N San Joaquin St, Third Floor,
Suite 330

Have Recruitment Questions?

Phone [phone]

The San Joaquin County Probation Department is a key player in the justice system,
providing safe custodial care for juveniles and adults to enhance public safety.
Acting as a vital link between the Courts, the detention system, and the community,
the department offers crucial prevention, investigation, and supervision services.
Their core values emphasize excellence, professionalism, integrity, and a safe
environment, while fostering teamwork and ethical conduct.

As a Pre‑Trial Program Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting the Pre‑Trial
Services Unit of the Probation Department. In this position, you’ll use your strong
interviewing skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of social and behavioral
sciences to gather and verify critical information about pre‑arraignment defendants.
Your work directly impacts important judicial decisions, helping courts determine
eligibility for release while ensuring public safety. This role offers a mix of
investigative, analytical, and interpersonal work, from preparing reports and court
documents to interacting with judges, attorneys, and clients. It’s an ideal
opportunity for someone who is motivated by meaningful, hands‑on work in the
criminal justice system and enjoys combining careful analysis with compassionate
human interaction.

salary $5,269.62-$6,405.26 MONTHLY

final filing date: November 13 , 2026 AT 11:59 P.M.

Offers of employment are contingent upon
passing a law enforcement background
check and a drug screening test.

At San Joaquin County, your career can
grow with you! If you’re performing
successfully as a Pre‑Trial Program
Specialist and recommended by your
department, you may be eligible for
promotion to Senior Pre‑Trial Program
Specialist. This advancement brings
increased responsibilities and a higher
salary—$5,452.28–$6,627.29 per month.

Education: Completion of 60 semester units at an accredited college or university, including at least 18 units in the social or behavioral sciences.

Experience: One year working in a social services, law enforcement or criminal justice setting that included substantial responsibility for interviewing clients as part of case management or law enforcement duties, or to establish program eligibility.

Note: Incumbents who occupy full‑time, Civil Service positions in the classes of Pre‑Trial
Services Interviewer I or II at the time that this class of Pre‑Trial Program Specialist is adopted
by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors shall be considered to meet the qualifications
listed below.

Substitution #1: An additional 30 semester college units (including 9 more in social or behavioral sciences) may substitute for the above‑required experience.

Substitution #2: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the above‑required education on a year for year basis (where one year of experience is equivalent to 30 semester units.)

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license equivalent to a “Class C” in California.

INTERVIEW AND ASSESS

• Meet with criminal defendants and others to gather accurate and relevant information about their criminal, social, and personal history. Review arrest reports and legal documents to support these interviews.

VERIFY AND RESEARCH

• Confirm information by contacting references, using criminal justice databases, and reaching out to local, state, and federal agencies as needed. Check for warrants and obtain DMV history when necessary, interpreting records carefully to ensure accuracy.

EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND

• Analyze the information collected, including observed behavior, to determine eligibility for release programs such as Felony Own Recognizance, Citation Release, or Conditional Release. Make informed recommendations based on established criteria and legal requirements.

PREPARE REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS

• Create clear and accurate reports, court forms, summaries, and other required documents. Prepare Pre‑Trial packets, obtain client signatures on forms like Promise to Appear or Felony Own Recognizance, and deliver paperwork to courts, probation offices, or other agencies as needed.

COLLABORATE WITH THE JUSTICE COMMUNITY

• Respond to questions from judges, attorneys, probation officers, and other criminal justice professionals. Facilitate probable cause hearings with on‑call judges and schedule defendants for court appearances. May be asked to appear or testify in court.

BENEFITS

Employees hired into this classification are members of a bargaining unit which is represented by SEIU Local 1021.

Health Insurance : San Joaquin County provides employees with a choice of three health plans: a Kaiser Plan, a Select Plan, and a Premier Plan. Employees pay a portion of the cost of the premium. Dependent coverage is also available.

Dental Insurance : The County provides employees with a choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. There is no cost for employee only coverage in either plan; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

Vision Insurance : The County provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is no cost for employee only coverage; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

Retirement Plan : Employees of the County are covered by the County Retirement Law of 1937. Please visit the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA) at www.sjcera.org for more information.

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