Probation Corrections Officer I

County of Riverside; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Riverside is seeking Probation Corrections Officer I to supervise youth in detention or treatment facilities within Riverside County. Entry-level position with opportunities for promotion following probation and core training.

Responsibilities include supervising detainees, maintaining order, and preparing behavioral reports while teaching manners, teamwork, and discipline. Requires high school diploma or GED and a CA driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or Certificate of Proficiency or GED score.
• No prior experience required.
• Valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Supervise detainees in a 24/7 secure facility and maintain order.
• Direct groups in constructive activities and enforce rules.
• Prepare daily behavior reports and assist detainees with personal issues.

Skills

Counseling techniques

Rapport building

Group supervision

First aid

Stress management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certificate of Proficiency (CA)

Job description

About the Riverside County Probation Department

Riverside County Probation Department is currently recruiting for Probation Corrections Officers to fill multiple vacancies throughout Riverside County. This recruitment is for full-time positions.

Under direct supervision, receives training and acquires skills in supervising and caring for youths in detention and/or treatment facilities of the Riverside County Probation Department; and performs other related duties as required. Positions in this class are defined as peace officers in Section 830.5 of the California Penal Code and are subject to selection and training standards as defined by the California Government Code and the Board of State and Community Corrections.

The Probation Corrections Officer I is the entry-level and trainee classification within the Probation Corrections Officer series and typically reports to a Supervising Probation Officer. Incumbents are expected to have an aptitude for supervising the activities of a group of youths in a detention or treatment environment. Incumbents are assigned routine functions associated with the general operation of a living unit. The Probation Corrections Officer I differs from the Probation Corrections Officer II in that the latter are assigned the more difficult and complex counseling duties requiring an understanding of those factors affecting a minor's motivation and behavior.

Probation Corrections Officer I incumbents are eligible for promotion to Probation Corrections Officer II upon successful completion of their probationary period, which requires a satisfactory job performance evaluation and completion of the following: Probation Corrections Officer Core training, PC 832, First Aid, and CPR.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Probation Department is a progressive criminal justice agency that believes in continuous improvement, searching and applying evidence-based and best practices, using measurable outcomes to evaluate programs, and doing our utmost to fulfill our mission and make Riverside County a safe and law-abiding community for its citizens. We recognize the value of a qualified, professional, dynamic, and diverse workforce and in building an organization that reflects the progressive community we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• In a training capacity, provide supervision to detainees that may be over the age of 18 years, in a 24-hour, 7-day a week secure facility.
• Supervise the conduct and behavior of detainees; maintain necessary order and structure; direct the groups in constructive activities and impose restrictions when necessary.
• Prepare daily behavior reports; attempt to modify antisocial behavior and assist detainees in adjusting to detention situations; provide guidance on personal problems such as relationships with peers, parents, and school personnel.
• Instruct and encourage good manners, sportsmanship, and proper attitudes towards work, play and citizenship; plan organized recreation and group activities.
• Maintain proper living standards and health habits through instruction on personal hygiene; maintain effective security and safety procedures within the unit at all times and remain constantly alert for attempts to escape.
• Supervise such leisure time activities as games (indoors and outside), athletics (indoors and outside), crafts, and when required, encourage participation of individuals not already engaged in these activities.
• Instruct in the rules of various games and in craft methods; referee games and organized tournaments.
• Prepare observation reports on detainees demeanor, behavior, appearance, interest, skills, progress, and needs; administer first aid when required.
• Keep the unit logs and other written information up to date; register and store personal belongings; search detainees, rooms, living areas, and facility grounds for weapons and other contraband; check detainees for marks, bruises and infections as required.
• Conduct room checks and/or directly observe detainees in accordance with Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) guidelines.
• Attend, participate, and pass courses in powers of arrest, search and seizure, and defensive tactics.
• Type reports, document detainee activity/behavior and retrieve data and information.

OPTION I

Education: Graduation from high school, possession of a Certificate of Proficiency issued by the California State Board of Education or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D test.

Experience: None required.

All candidates will be required to take and pass the Probation Corrections Officer test prior to being considered for any Probation Corrections Officer I position.

Knowledge of: Individual and group counseling techniques; the development, needs and problems of detainees; methods and techniques of effective group supervision; facilities, rules, procedures, and policies relating to detention care and treatment of detainees standard health practices and first aid.

Ability to: Establish and maintain rapport with detainees; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of department staff, government, business, community officials, and community-based organizations; learn techniques for collaborative problem solving and for supervising and guiding groups of detainees under detention; learn and apply basic first aid techniques; exercise good judgment in stress situations; follow oral and written directions; speak and write effectively.

Other Requirements

• Assessment: Minimally qualified candidates will be required to pass a computerized assessment in order to be considered for this position.
• License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Legality for Employment

Be a citizen of the United States, or legally authorized to work in the U.S or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship.

Age

Candidates must attain the age of 21 years prior to the completion of the background process. Applicants aged 20½ years may apply for the position, test, and proceed to the background process.

Prior to employment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough criminal background investigation involving both fingerprinting and use of a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), physical examination, including vision and hearing tests, and psychological evaluation. A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment. Candidates cannot currently be on court-ordered summary or formal probation. Upon completion of the Probation Corrections Officer Core training, candidates must pass the physical agility requirements mandated by the Standards and Training for Corrections (STC).

Applicants with uncompleted educational requirements may apply, test, and proceed to the background investigation while in the process of completing the educational requirements. Applicant must complete educational requirements and submit proof of completion to the background investigator prior to receiving a conditional job offer. If this requirement cannot be met, applicant will be disqualified from the process.

Upon completion of the Probation Corrections Officer Core training, candidates must pass the physical agility requirements mandated by the Standards and Training for Corrections (STC).

Incumbents may be assigned to a variety of assignments, facilities, offices, and schedules which includes rotating shifts (day, swing, graveyard, weekends, and holidays), and may be required to work overtime.

Physical Requirements

• Independent body mobility to occasionally climb stairs, squat, crouch, crawl, kneel, bend and twist neck, bend and twist at the waist, reach for and/or move items with hands and arms, stoop, push, pull, and balance.
• On a regular basis, must be able to stand, walk, sit, drive and lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds in weight; and occasionally may have to lift or assist in lifting an individual in excess of 75 pounds or more.
• Must have the manual dexterity of fingers and hands; and the ability to speak and hear clearly.
• Reasonable temporary accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a qualified disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Environmental and Working Conditions

Incumbents must be able to work in a standard office environment and walk or run-on dirt roads or other rough, uneven terrain. Exposure to varying climatic conditions (i.e., dust, extremes in temperature, rain, etc.) may be a factor in some assignments.

Probationary Period

As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.