Senior Probation Corrections Officer - Promotional

County of Sonoma; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Sonoma is seeking a Senior Probation Corrections Officer to lead a team and supervise youth at Juvenile Hall and Probation Camp. The role emphasizes safety, counseling, and collaboration with staff and service providers to address residents’ needs.

The ideal candidate has leadership and problem-solving skills, experience with evidence-based practices, and the ability to work both independently and with a team, including weekend and holiday shifts.

Qualifications

• One year full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to Probation Corrections Officer II with the County of Sonoma.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States; no prior felony conviction; BSCC exam or equivalent before appointment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide Probation Corrections Officers.
• Oversee daily activities of youth at Juvenile Hall and Probation Camp.
• Provide counseling and behavioral support; collaborate with staff and service providers.
• Facilitate cognitive behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, and evidence-based practices.
• Maintain case records and document in justice system databases.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Job description

Position Information

This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part-time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee in order to apply for this position.

The Probation Department has requested a department certification to fill a Senior Probation Corrections Officer position. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary Probation employees on the eligible list may be eligible for referral to the department for the advertised position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time or part-time positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

As a Senior Probation Corrections Officer, you will serve in a lead capacity, providing guidance and support to other Corrections Officers while overseeing the daily activities of youth housed at Juvenile Hall and Probation Camp. You will help maintain facility safety and security, provide counseling and behavioral support, and collaborate with staff and service providers to address residents' needs. Additional responsibilities will include:

• Facilitating cognitive behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices
• Providing intensive casework and developing short-term case plans for residents
• Supporting staff with program facilitation, curriculum development, and addressing resident behavioral concerns
• Applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations
• Maintaining case records and documenting resident behavior in justice system databases

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to supporting positive behavioral change. They will also possess many of the following:

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and juvenile case management

• Experience providing guidance and support to fellow staff members

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds

• Effective communication, documentation, and organizational skills

• Experience applying trauma-informed care and crisis intervention techniques

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education: Any combination of experience, education, and training which would provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to qualify is: One year full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to Probation Corrections Officer II with the County of Sonoma.

Additional Requirements: In accordance with California Government Code, Section 1029 - 1031, and the California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 131, Minimum Standards for Selection, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law; have no prior felony conviction nor be under current formal probation supervision; and achieved a passing score on the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) selection written exam, or equivalent prior to appointment.

Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo and successfully complete finger printing, an in-depth background investigation, including a psychological evaluation, criminal history check, medical examination, and physical agility testing.

Candidates must be willing to wear a uniform, work non-traditional hours, and different work shifts, including weekends and holidays. Candidates may be required to work overtime and cannot leave the facility unless relieved.

Incumbents in the Senior Probation Corrections Officer classification are Peace Officers defined as by Penal Code Section 830.5. Existing law requires Peace Officers to meet specific minimum standards, including age (21 years at time of appointment) and educational requirements. Incumbents newly hired must successfully complete Penal Code 832 Arrest and Control training and the California Board of State Community Corrections (BSCC) Juvenile Correctional Officer Core Course within one year of appointment.

Those appointed to this class shall serve a probation period of one year.

License: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid State of California Class C driver's license is required by date of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: evidence-based practices; trauma-informed care; factors that influence human behavior, particularly as they related to child development, transitional aged youth development, and personality; recreational activities commonly enjoyed by youth and young adults; the laws, practices, and procedures pertinent to the detention and custody of youth and young adults; child abuse reporting laws; first-aid techniques and practices; CPR; personal hygiene techniques and methods for instructing residents in maintaining proper self-care; Probation justice database systems and other technology used in the facility; behavior patterns, motivation, and group and family dynamics; the methods and techniques of individual and group counseling within a correctional institution setting; methods of conflict resolution; de-escalation tactics; engagement and coaching principles; accepted methods used to modify behavior; departmental policies, procedures, and functions; principles and methods of detention and care of residents; techniques that motivate and encourage the efficiency and productivity of staff and residents.

Ability to: coordinate and lead the work activities of Probation Corrections Officers; provide information regarding the behavior and performance of subordinate staff and residents; apply techniques of effective group dynamics; supervise and direct residents during educational, work, meal, and programming activities; establish and maintain the respect of the residents, including engaging with residents who may suffer from severe mental health conditions; maintain control in individual and group situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, health and social service providers, families, law enforcement agencies, other County departments, and the public; effectively communicate orally and in writing; listen actively; read and comprehend instructions and standards, and apply them to a variety of situations; make and record detailed observations; write descriptive narratives, including incident, court, or other reports; exercise good judgment and adopt effective courses of action in emergency situations; integrate new technical skills and knowledge; problem solve, think critically, prioritize, and work under pressure; be flexible, dependable, and adapt to changing situations; identify officer safety issues; de-escalate interactions with residents who are highly emotional and/or aggressive; understand and accept differences in human behavior; effectively interact with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, generational, and socio-economic backgrounds; lead the activities of entry- and journey-level Probation Corrections Officers; apply first aid; provide clear and concise oral explanations of situations that have transpired; train and coach staff in all aspects of their job responsibilities while maintaining other expected duties; establish credibility and persuade others; effectively subdue, restrain, and control residents for the safety and protection of themselves and others; as well as defend against attacks from residents; maintain composure in a stressful environment.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: CA

HR Technician: KK