Probation Aide

SAN-Benito-Count; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

San Benito County is seeking a Probation Aide under supervision to investigate and make recommendations on probation cases involving juveniles and adults; to assist with the supervision of probationers and to perform related work.

This paraprofessional role supports probation officers, monitors caseloads including electronic monitoring and drug testing, and collaborates with schools and social services to ensure compliance and progress.

Qualifications

• Experience or exposure to working with juveniles and adults is desirable.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License or ability to obtain one.
• Knowledge of basic interviewing techniques.
• Understanding of adult and juvenile probation programs and the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Transports juveniles to and from school and other locations.
• Conducts home visits/checks on juvenile probationers to determine probation compliance (e.g., curfew).
• Performs drug testing for juveniles and adults as needed.
• Conducts home visits of probationers on electronic monitoring.
• Interviews probationers and conducts intensive supervision follow-ups in various settings and counsels individuals on probation.
• Maintains contact with schools, health and social services, and other providers to track progress.

Job description

DEFINITION

Under supervision, to investigate and make recommendations on a limited range of basic probation cases involving juveniles and adults; to assist with the supervision of probationers; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Probation Aide is a specialized paraprofessional classification. Incumbents in this class have responsibility for supervising probation cases such as Adult Electronic Monitoring and chemical testing of adults and juveniles. The Probation Aide is distinguished from the Probation Officer series, in that the Probation Aide performs a more limited range of probation caseload monitoring, as well as provides support for the Probation Officer. Probation Officers perform the full range of professional probation duties and the full scope of cases.

REPORTS TO

Probation Officer, and Deputy Chief Probation Officer.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory class.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; physical ability to sustain extra physical effort to defend self and deal with violent/aggressive persons; verbal communication; use of electronic monitoring equipment, pepper sprays, mace, and two way radio communications; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, FAX, and other related peripheral equipment such as printers and scanners.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office, courtroom and outdoor environment; work is performed in varying temperature; some work is performed in confined and noisy areas; continuous contact with staff and the public. Work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic and sometimes threatening behavior

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

• Transports juveniles to and from school and other various locations
• Conducts home visits/checks on juvenile probationers to determine if probationers are following the terms of probation i.e curfew
• Performs drug testing for juveniles and adults as needed
• Conducts home visits of probationers on electronic monitoring
• Interviews probationers and conducts \"intensive supervision follow-up\" in the office, at the juvenile's home, or at a job site; counsels juveniles and adults on probation
• Conducts outreach activities by contacting school officials, teachers and students
• Writes reports of findings and works with Probation Officers on more difficult probation cases
• Contacts other services providers such as the Health and Human Services Department, Substance Abuse, and Community Service to determine a probationer's progress
• Performs additional tasks related to probationer's case records.
• Other duties as assigned

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Previous experience in working with juveniles and adults, which included substantial public contact is highly desirable.

Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Knowledge of:

• Basic interviewing techniques.
• General goals and purpose of adult and juvenile probation programs and the criminal justice system.
• Some knowledge of behavior problems of juveniles and adults.
• Some knowledge of chemical dependency

Ability to:

• Learn the basic principles of probation case monitoring.
• Learn and apply the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to probation work.
• Learn appropriate interviewing techniques.
• Cope with hostile and aggressive behavior in stressful situations.
• Locate, identify, and correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
• Exercise sound judgment when dealing with probationers within established procedures and regulations.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship with the public and staff.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.