Probation Division Director

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

Job summary

County of Humboldt is seeking a senior probation leader to plan, organize, and direct probation and juvenile corrections programs. You will set division goals, supervise staff, and coordinate with other agencies to ensure safety and rehabilitation outcomes.

The role requires strong budget and grant experience, data-driven decision making, and a commitment to evidence-based practices within a public safety framework.

Qualifications

• Experience developing goals and objectives for probation or juvenile detention programs.
• Knowledge of budget development, grant funding and program evaluation.
• Ability to analyze data to guide department decisions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and direct the work of probation or juvenile detention programs and staff.
• Lead strategic direction, budget input and policy updates for the division.
• Coordinate with inter-agency teams and community groups to align services.

Skills

Team leadership

Program development

Budget management

Grant writing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, criminology, behavioral science, business management or closely related field

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

Positions in this class are sworn peace officers under section 830.5 of the penal code and report to the Chief Probation Officer or Assistant Chief Probation Officer. Incumbents direct and are responsible for the work of probation officers. Incumbents also have a primary duty and responsibility for counseling, supervision and custody of a group of youths assigned or committed to the hall or home. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Chief Probation Officer in that the latter is responsible for assisting in the overall departmental administration.

• 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.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at 707-476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre‑employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.