Probation Supervisor I

County of Contra Costa; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Training provided

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

County of Contra Costa is seeking a Probation Supervisor I to oversee Deputy Probation Officers and ensure compliance with department policies. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, and stakeholders.

You will supervise, assign cases, monitor reports, conduct audits, and prepare evaluations and court documents. A Bachelor's degree and knowledge of probation principles are preferred; the department offers competitive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology preferred.
• Experience as a Probation Officer or related field preferred.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Knowledge of court procedures and applicable laws a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervising a unit of Deputy Probation Officers
• Assigning cases to Deputy Probation Officers
• Monitoring reports and recommendations to ensure policy compliance
• Conducting monthly caseload audits and unit meetings
• Preparing staff performance evaluations and court reports
• Maintaining records and statistics
• Conducting investigations involving possible staff misconduct
• Reporting to Probation Managers on problem cases and policy matters

Skills

Strong communicator

Ethical

Reliable attendance

Collaborative

Partnership oriented

Compassionate

Well organized

Education

Bachelor's degree

Criminology/Corrections major preferred

Job description

Why Join Contra Costa County - Probation Department?

Contra Costa County Probation is committed to integrity, equity, and excellence in the ethical application of the law. Our mission centers on an unwavering dedication to justice and a proven approach to rehabilitation that supports positive outcomes for individuals and families. We value collaboration and professionalism and are focused on building a talented workforce that strengthens individuals while enhancing the safety and wellbeing of our community. By joining the Probation Department, you become part of an organization dedicated to meaningful public service and lasting community impact.

The Contra Costa County Probation Department is seeking qualified individuals to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Probation Supervisor I.

This is an excellent career opportunity for individuals who would like to expand their qualified experience in Probation. Experienced Deputy Probation Officers are encouraged to apply.

Probation Supervisors plan, assign and review the work of a group of Probation Officers who are assigned juvenile and adult cases. This position is responsible for supervision, consultation, and direction to Deputy Probation Officers and reports to the Probation Manager.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a variety of individuals; apply sound judgment and determine truth of statements. In addition, the candidate will have knowledge of the principles of adult and juvenile probation, social casework, an understanding of the court procedures; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances affecting adult and juvenile probation work, principles, and findings of applied psychology, and interviewing and counseling techniques.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A strong communicator. Able to clearly and effectively communicate with clients and other staff members
• Ethical. Possesses high integrity, and values equity and excellence
• Reliable. Able to maintain consistent and regular attendance that supports continuity of services and operational needs
• Collaborative. Able to apply strong interpersonal skills to work independently while contributing positively within a team
• Partnership oriented. Able to work closely with police officers, courts, community-based organizations, parents and guardians
• Compassionate. Able to serve as a positive role model by consistently demonstrating empathy and respect in interactions
• Well organized. Able to prioritize workload and meet Court and Departmental deadlines

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Supervising a unit of Deputy Probation Officers
• Assigning cases to Deputy Probation Officers
• Monitoring reports and recommendations by deputies to ensure compliance with department policies and guidelines
• Conducting monthly caseload audits and unit meetings
• Preparing staff performance evaluations, memos, court reports and other written reports as needed
• Maintaining records, statistics and other critical documentation
• Conducting investigations involving possible staff misconduct
• Reporting to and consulting with Probation Managers on problem cases, unusual incidents, and policy matters

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• The workplace is professional, nurturing, and supportive
• You will make the community a safer place
• You make a positive impact in the lives of Probation clients whom you work with
• Competitive salary and benefits, with training provided
• Numerous career growth opportunities

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Becoming the supervisor and providing direction and evaluating former coworkers
• Interacting with volatile / aggressive clients that may suffer from mental health conditions
• Making reasonable decisions during times of volatility and stress
• Coping with exposure to stressful situations
• Ensuring laws, ordinances, and Department policies and procedures are followed

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expandingtheir capabilities
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Delegating: Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (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. A major in criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience

Three (3) years of full-time or its equivalent experience as a Deputy Probation Officer or Parole Agent or in a California juvenile correctional facility at a level equivalent to Institutional Supervisor in Contra Costa County.

Substitution for Experience

Two (2) years of full-time or its equivalent experience as a Juvenile Institution Officer in a California County or a State Probation Department may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Physical Requirements

Ability to meet such health standards as may be prescribed by the County medical consultant.

Background Requirement

Shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction that would have been a felony if committed in this state.

Must successfully complete a thorough background investigation, including psychological testing, as specified in Section #1031 of the California Government Code.

ARMING:

Some assignments within the Probation Department require the willingness and capability to be armed. Authorization to carry a weapon while on duty requires a psychological examination confirming fitness to be armed as well as the successful completion of and weaponry training as required by the department.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Completion of advanced leadership or management training
• Advanced use of evidence-based probation practices, including risk/needs assessments and structured case planning
• In-depth knowledge of California probation law and court procedures
• Experience with high-risk or complex juvenile and adult cases

1. Application Filing & Evaluation: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information indicated on the job announcement and supplemental questionnaire. Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
2. Virtual Assessment: Candidates who clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the assessment process, which may include an online virtual oral board. Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher to advance. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Probation Supervisor I classification. These my include but are not limited to: Attention to Detail, Professional Impact, Professional Integrity and Ethics, Professional and Technical Expertise, Decision Making, and Oral Communication. (Weighted 100%).
   • The assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place remotely: December 1, 2026
3. Departmental Interviews: The Probation's Department hiring team will contact referred individuals from the eligible list in December 2026

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the assessment process should notify Human Resources as soon as possible.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

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 SERVICEWORKER

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 accommodations, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.