Probation Division Director

Humboldt County; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Humboldt County Probation Department seeks a seasoned leader to oversee adult and juvenile probation services, directing operations, guiding the administrative team, and ensuring fidelity to evidence-based practices across programs.

You will participate in budgeting, policy updates, staffing, and performance reviews while coordinating with courts and partner agencies to support rehabilitation and public safety in Humboldt County.

Qualifications

• Requires administrative leadership and staff supervision.
• Experience in budget development and grant writing.
• Strong data analysis and program evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of probation or juvenile detention policies and funding.
• Ability to lead multiple programs and coordinate with partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead Administrative Team, including input for budget, policy updates and strategic direction.
• Lead recruitments and administrative investigations.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Grant writing

Data analysis

Policy development

Interagency coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in psychology / sociology / criminology / behavioral science / business management

Job description

The Humboldt County Probation Department is comprised of approximately 90 employees and plays an important role in promoting public safety throughout the community. The department operates a Juvenile Hall that includes both a secure mental health treatment program and a secure track program. Through its Juvenile Services Division, the department supervises approximately 100 youth, many of whom are provided opportunities for diversion and rehabilitation. Case management is grounded in evidence-based practices designed to support positive outcomes and reduce future involvement in the justice system.

The Juvenile Services Division also supports the courts by conducting investigations and preparing reports to assist with informed decision-making. Across all of its responsibilities, the department’s primary mission is to enhance public safety through a balanced focus on rehabilitation, accountability, and community well-being.

Humboldt County is a close-knit community surrounded by remarkable natural beauty, including expansive beaches and ocean, majestic mountains, productive farmland, and the world-renowned giant Redwood forests. This unique setting, combined with the department’s commitment to serving youth, families, and the broader community, makes Humboldt County a special place to live and work.

A successful candidate will:

• Participate on the Administrative Team, including providing input for budget preparation and management, policy updates, and the strategic direction of the department
• Participate in personnel actions including leading recruitments and conducting administrative investigations
• Set strategic goals and standards for the division and use data to monitor progress and performance
• Establish and maintain a coaching culture
• Support the ongoing use of and fidelity to evidence based practices

Under direction, plans, organizes, directs and manages the work of an adult, juvenile, or juvenile correctional facility division of the Probation Department including the delivery of all phases of Probation services; provides expert professional assistance to County staff and outside agencies in areas of responsibility, including serving on the department management team and inter‑agency coordinating teams; performs direct supervision; performs related work as assigned. Serves as a peace officer pursuant to Penal Code Section 830.5.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• Plans, organizes and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for probation or juvenile corrections programs.
• Organizes, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff; provides administrative supervision to staff.
• Participates in the selection of personnel and provides for their training and professional development.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Reviews work of subordinate units to insure that agency standards are maintained.
• Participates on a variety of inter‑agency committees, consults with community groups, individuals and other law enforcement related agencies, service agencies, state and federal officials to determine needs and to coordinate activities and services.
• Monitors and participates in the development of legislation and program standards; prepares reports on changes and pending changes; prepares recommendations for local system changes.
• Reviews cases of clients; consults with staff, attorneys, judges, and others as needed on cases; serves as expert witness and testifies in court on specific cases or department policies and procedures.
• Plans, develops, implements, directs and evaluates a variety of specialized probation or juvenile corrections programs; identifies program funding sources and directs the preparation of or prepares grant applications and proposals to secure funding; develops statistical information and analyzes data in support of program recommendations.
• Prepares budget recommendations; monitors expenditures and program income; conducts cost benefit analysis evaluations; recommends budget revisions as needed.
• Develops service provider contracts; monitors and evaluates services provided, costs and income received; recommends revisions when needed.
• Conducts or supervises a variety of investigations including citizen complaints, disciplinary, background, and other special investigations as assigned.
• Conducts or directs the conduct of analytical studies related to probation or juvenile detention activities, programs and services.
• Prepares a wide variety of casework documentation and periodic special reports for County, federal or state authorities, and for appropriate management review.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including developing goals and objectives, work planning, organization and employee supervision.
• Principles and practices of program management including program development, funding sources, grant proposal writing, program evaluation and fiscal management.
• Applicable laws affecting probation or juvenile detention programs and services including federal and state entitlement programs.
• Principles and practices of budget development, budget administration and cost analysis.
• Principles, practices and methods of probation or juvenile detention including supervision and crisis management.
• Methods and procedures for collecting, compiling and analyzing statistical and demographic information and data.
• Principles and practices of data base management and statistical analysis using a personal or on-line computer system.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of others.
• Planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and directing probation or juvenile detention programs.
• Utilizing statistical and demographic information and data to determine community and service population needs.
• Identifying program funding sources and preparing grant applications and proposals. Interpreting, explaining and applying laws, regulations and policies related to probation or juvenile detention programs.
• Managing multiple tasks and meeting critical deadlines.
• Representing the County in contacts with County, state, federal and community probation or juvenile detention related agencies and groups.
• Preparing clear and complete reports, documentation and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must have successfully completed training required by Section 832 of the Penal Code.
• Must have successfully completed STC Core Training and Basic Supervision and possess CPR and First Aid certificates.
• Must complete Administration Core Training within the first 12 months of employment.
• Must be able to pass a psychological evaluation and detailed background investigation.

Desirable Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, criminology, a behavioral science, business management or closely related field and two years experience working at a level equivalent to the County's class of Supervising Probation Officer or Juvenile Corrections Facilities Manager.