Probation Director

Contra-Costa-County; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa Probation Department seeks a Probation Director to lead field services, administration and juvenile programs. The role focuses on strategic planning, policy development, and staff leadership to improve safety and rehabilitation outcomes across Contra Costa County.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least five years of probation or corrections experience, including two years in management.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years full-time or equivalent probation, institution, corrections or parole work.
• Two (2) years of management duties equivalent to Probation Manager in Contra Costa County.
• Substitution: 1 year graduate study may substitute for 1 year of required work; no substitution for management requirement.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight to Probation Managers and staff; support daily operations and long-term priorities.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate field services, admin functions, training initiatives, and institutional operations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies and practices to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Lead workforce development, including training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Collaborate with department leadership, county agencies and justice partners to achieve outcomes.
• Oversee projects and initiatives to strengthen service delivery and performance.
• Use data and performance measures to guide decisions and drive ongoing improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff development

Data-informed decision making

Project management

Cross-divisional collaboration

Oral communication

Policy development

Change management

Integrity & ethics

Accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology or closely related field

Job description

Why join the Contra Costa Probation Department?

The Probation Department is recruiting to fill one (1) vacant position within the Probation Director classification. Under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Director is responsible for supervising, planning, and coordinating the work of Probation Managers. The Director oversees the organization and strategic planning of field services, administrative operations, or juvenile institutions; develops and implements relevant policies, procedures, and regulations; and provides leadership, direction, and training to staff in support of departmental objectives.

In the Staff Development and Professional Services Bureau (Administrative Services), the Probation Director is expected to oversee training and professional development, organizational performance and innovation efforts, personnel and administrative support functions, and related operational services that strengthen department-wide effectiveness and compliance.

In Field Services, the Directors' primary areas of responsibility include overseeing adult and juvenile court, investigations, supervision, reentry, and prevention efforts.

In the Juvenile Institution, the Director’s primary responsibility includes overseeing the operation of the Department’s juvenile facilities and aftercare programs associated with the John A. Davis Juvenile Hall.

By joining this department, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping safer communities, supporting positive change, and leading teams committed to justice and rehabilitation. If you’re ready to drive meaningful impact and help chart the future of probation services in Contra Costa County, we invite you to bring your leadership to a team that is dedicated, innovative, and invested in your success.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A strategic and forward-thinking leader who can align operations with long-term departmental goals
• Skilled at building strong teams and developing staff through coaching, mentorship, and accountability
• An effective communicator who can collaborate across divisions and build strong professional relationships
• Experienced in managing complex operations, competing priorities, and organizational change
• Committed to integrity, transparency, and ethical decision-making
• Data-informed and solutions-oriented, with the ability to evaluate performance and improve outcomes
• Adaptable and innovative, with the ability to navigate challenges and implement meaningful improvements

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Providing leadership and oversight to Probation Managers and staff while supporting day-to-day operations and long-term strategic priorities
• Planning, coordinating, and evaluating field services, administrative functions, training initiatives, institutional operations, or related department programs
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring policies, procedures, and operational practices to support compliance, consistency, and effectiveness
• Leading workforce development efforts, including training, professional development, succession planning, and staff performance management
• Partnering with department leadership, county agencies, community stakeholders, and justice system partners to support collaborative outcomes
• Overseeing projects, organizational initiatives, and operational improvements to strengthen service delivery and department performance
• Utilizing data, performance measures, and continuous improvement strategies to inform decisions and improve organizational effectiveness

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have the opportunity to shape the future of Probation services and drive meaningful organizational improvements
• You will mentor emerging leaders and contribute directly to staff development, growth, and engagement
• You will do work that makes a lasting impact on community safety, rehabilitation efforts, and outcomes for youth and adults
• You will lead innovative initiatives and champion department-wide improvements

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will balance multiple operational priorities while responding and adapting to evolving organizational needs
• You will lead teams through periods of change while maintaining staff engagement and operational stability
• You will manage complex issues that require coordination across multiple divisions and stakeholders
• You will navigate competing priorities, limited resources, and fast-moving timelines
• You will make difficult decisions while upholding accountability, fairness, and transparency

CompetenciesRequired:

• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Visionary Leadership: Taking a long-term view and building a shared vision with others; acting as a catalyst for organizational change
• Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration: Demonstrating cooperation and teamwork while working within and across divisions and teams
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objective
• Thinking & Acting Systematically: Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

You can read the complete job description at: www.cccounty/hr.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months.

License Required:

Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology or a closely related field.

Experience:

Five (5) years full-time or its equivalent experience in probation, institution, corrections, or parole work, two (2) years of which must have included management duties equivalent to the classification of Probation Manager in Contra Costa County.

Substitution for Experience:

One (1) year of graduate study at an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminology, or sociology at an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the required general probation or institution work. No substitution is allowed of the required management experience.

Substitution for Education:

One (1) additional year of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required academic major.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience leading probation operations, juvenile justice programs, adult services, institutional operations, or administrative support functions
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practices, continuous quality improvement, organizational performance strategies, or data-informed decision-making
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, operational initiatives, or organizational change efforts
• Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, compliance programs, or training initiatives
• Collaboration skills with justice system partners, county departments, labor organizations, or community stakeholders

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. In-Person Oral Board Interview: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an in-person interview assessment. Candidates must achieve an overall passing score of 70% or higher on the interview in order to move forward in the recruitment process. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. (Weighted 100%)). The in-person interview is tentatively scheduled for October 21, 2026. Location: TBD
3. Departmental Hiring Interview: TBD

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.