Probation Assistant

Merced County, CA; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County seeks a Probation Department Assistant to support caseload tracking, client processing, and reporting within the county’s probation services. Responsibilities include coordinating supervision, assisting with investigations, and preparing court-related documents.

Qualified candidates will have at least 60 semester units in behavioral sciences and a valid California driver’s license. Experience in probation is preferred, with strong communication and organizational skills essential.

Qualifications

• 60 units of college coursework, with at least 15 units in psychology, sociology, administration of justice, criminal justice, social work or related behavioral science
• Direct experience working in a Probation Department may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
• Experience working in a Probation Department is preferred
• Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain

Responsibilities

• Assists in tracking a banked caseload of probationers.
• Ensures fines and assessments are paid prior to expiration of probation.
• Requests courtesy supervision if probationers move from Merced County.
• Returns cases to Deputy Probation Officers for active supervision when appropriate.
• Assists Deputy Probation Officers in investigations and casework.
• Assists with processing and transportation of clients.
• Performs follow-up on delinquent payments.
• May administer drug testing according to procedures.
• May interview defendants at County Jail and minors at Juvenile Justice Facility.
• May provide court reports on pre-trial detainees.
• May oversee individuals during the pre-trial process.
• Communicates with other agencies about probationers' status/backgrounds.
• Conducts oral presentations before groups of probationers.

Skills

Public relations

Communication

Leadership

Written reports

Education

60 college units in behavioral sciences or related fields

Job description

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assists in tracking a banked caseload of probationers.
• Ensures that all fines and assessments are paid prior to expiration of probation.
• Requests courtesy supervision if necessary when probationers move from Merced County.
• In appropriate situations, returns cases to Deputy Probation Officers for active supervision.
• Assists Deputy Probation Officers in adult/juvenile investigations and cases.
• Assists with processing and transportation of clients.
• Performs follow-up duties concerning delinquent payments.
• May administer drug testing to clients according to established procedures and guidelines.
• May interview defendants at the County Jail and minors at the Juvenile Justice Facility.
• May provide court reports on pre-trial detainees.
• May provide oversight of individuals during the pre-trial process.
• Communicates with personnel from other agencies concerning the status/back grounds of probationers.
• Conducts oral presentations before groups of probationers.

Education:

Equivalent to sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with at least fifteen (15) units of course work in any one of the following or combination thereof: psychology, sociology, administration of justice, criminal justice, social work or other behavioral science. (Direct experience working in a Probation Department may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.)

Experience:

Experience working in a Probation Department is preferred.

License:

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively in person and over the telephone.
• Prepare and present effective written reports.
• Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines under stressful conditions.
• Respond appropriately in work situations.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination and repetitive hand and arm motion.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Standard office procedures including the use of personal computers, filing and record keeping.
• Effective public relations and leadership techniques.
• Basic knowledge of psychology of human behavior.
• The role of the Probation Department in the criminal justice systems to include the general causes of crime and delinquency.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision and case follow up procedures.
• Court terminology.
• Merced County policies, procedures and practices.
• Federal and State law relating to probation work.

Ability to:

• Read, understand, interpret and explain rules and regulations related to probation services.
• Make oral presentations before groups of probationers.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Apply sound judgment, assume responsibility and use discretion.
• Learn the principles of adult and juvenile probation work and of related court procedures.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely in oral and written communications.

Why Merced County? A message from the CEO: