Probation Correctional Officer I

Tulare County Probation Department; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulare County Probation Department in Visalia, CA seeks a Deputy Probation Officer to perform peace officer duties, investigate cases, and evaluate client histories. The role involves making recommendations and administering assessments to guide services within the probation system.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree (behavioral or social sciences preferred) or education equivalency, and completion of specialized certifications within the first year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in behavioral or social sciences.
• Education equivalency allows substitution of related work experience for education.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques relevant to probation work.
• Interviewing methods and techniques.
• Social theory and cultural value systems.
• U.S. monetary system and family budgeting.
• Pass a Peace Officer Background Investigation.
• Present and substantiate facts in verbal and written reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform Peace Officer duties as defined by PC 830.5.
• Investigate, report and make recommendations on cases referred to the Probation Department by the courts.
• Review the personal history, family environment, social and economic conditions.
• Determine the cause of the individuals’ behavior and establish a basis for recommending services.
• Conduct interviews with clients and administer evidence-based assessments.

Skills

Peace Officer interviewing techniques

Verbal and written reports

Counseling theories

Cultural awareness

Interviewing techniques

Background investigation

People/relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social sciences

Education equivalency for related work experience

Job description

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Probation Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months.

Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Probation Department located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Perform Peace Officer duties as defined by PC 830.5.
• Investigate, report and make recommendations on cases referred to the Probation Department by the courts.
• Review the personal history, family environment, social and economic conditions.
• Determine the cause of the individuals’ behavior and establish a basis for recommending services.
• Conduct interviews with clients and administer evidence-based assessments.

Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Peace Officer Status Requirements

• Deputy Probation Officers are peace officers and must meet all the minimum standards pursuant to California Penal and Government codes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in one of the behavioral or social sciences.

Education Equivalency

• Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge of

• Counseling theories and techniques appropriate to probation work.
• Interviewing methods and techniques.
• Social theory and different cultural value systems.
• U.S. Monetary system and family budgeting.

Skill/Ability to

• Pass a Peace Officer Background Investigation.
• Present and substantiate facts in verbal and written reports.
• Apply interviewing techniques.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members, general public and other agencies.

License or Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.
• Earned certificates for the successful completion of 832 PC - Laws of Arrest, Probation Officer Core, and Bridge Core in the first year of hire.
• Earned certificate for the successful completion of 832 PC Firearms within the first year of hire.
• Successfully pass department qualifications with a department issued firearm within the first year of hire.
• Earned certificate for completion of CPR/First Aid training within the first year of hire.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of

• Search, seizure and detention methods.
• Provisions of Penal code, Welfare and Institutions Code and other applicable laws and code sections.
• Case law and court procedures.
• Tulare County Probation Department rules and regulations.
• Available community resources and nature of their services to meet needs of clients in rehabilitation programs.
• Symptoms, effects and proper tests of drug and alcohol use/abuse.
• Juvenile detention facility operations and procedures.

Skill/Ability to

• Conduct investigations, gather and evaluate evidence, formulate recommendations.
• Maintain a variety of records pertaining to probation work.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER