Supervising Probation Officer

Humboldt County; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Humboldt County is seeking a Supervising Probation Officer to lead a unit within the Probation Department. This role requires supervising staff, overseeing performance evaluations, and participating in hiring and training activities to ensure high-quality service to the community.

The position emphasizes coaching leadership, planning, organizing, and coordinating probation programs, with responsibilities spanning compliance, policy implementation, and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, a behavioral science or a closely related field and three years of professional probation experience at a level equivalent to the County's classes of Senior Probation Officer or Probation Officer II.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must successfully complete Probation Officer Core Training and Basic Supervision and possess CPR and First Aid certificates within first twelve months of employment.
• Must be able to pass a psychological evaluation and detailed background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Assigning and monitoring the work of their assigned unit.
• Participating on hiring panels and onboarding and training new staff.
• Representing the Department in meetings or workgroups with other county departments and community based organizations.
• Completing performance evaluations for assigned staff.
• Reviewing data to determine where their unit is succeeding and identify areas for improvement.

Skills

Planning & organizing

Staff supervision

Training staff

Risk assessment

Program development

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field

Job description

A Supervising Probation Officer is the first level of supervision within the Probation Department. Supervisors are assigned a unit in either the Adult or Juvenile Probation Divisions. Supervisors are critical to the success of the Department, as the field of probation is constantly evolving and supervisors lead their units through these changes. In assuring their units are meeting their performance expectations both qualitatively and quantitatively, supervisors are able to ensure the Department provides the best service possible to our community. Supervising Probation Officers are encouraged to adopt a coaching style of supervision, to maximize their staff ’s performance and job satisfaction.

A Supervising Probation Officer is responsible for:

• assigning and monitoring the work of their assigned unit.
• participating on hiring panels and onboarding and training new staff .
• representing the Department in meetings or workgroups with other county departments and community based organizations.
• completing performance evaluations for assigned staff .
• reviewing data to determine where their unit is succeeding and identify areas for improvement.

Under direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, reviews and evaluates the activities of a unit of the Probation Department; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is the first supervisory level in the professional probation series. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and supervising an assigned unit. This class is distinguished from Assistant Chief Probation Officer in that the latter participates in the overall management of and has administrative responsibility for all County probation matters.

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises assigned probation programs and activities.
• Participates in the hiring of assigned staff, recommending selection for management approval.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Assigns incoming cases and reviews and evaluates staff work; trains probation staff in work methods and procedures; develops professional growth plans for probation staff.
• Reviews court reports and case work to ensure compliance with laws and departmental policies; identifies problems and/or inconsistencies and recommends corrective actions.
• Researches new legislation and court decisions relating to probation, identifies those situations impacting the Department and advises others.
• Participates in developing, planning and implementing departmental policies and procedures.
• Receives, investigates and resolves complaints relating to juvenile and adult probation and juvenile detention.
• Establishes and maintains contact with representatives of law enforcement and social service agencies involved with the Department.
• Conducts and attends staff meetings.
• Represents the department in meetings with other agencies; testifies in court as required.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, evaluation and discipline.
• Principles, practices and techniques of adult and juvenile probation.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification.
• Principles and practices of adult and juvenile criminal and civil justice system.
• Public and private community resources and agencies.

Skill in

• Planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of others.
• Training staff in work procedures.
• Assessing and evaluating the risks and needs of adult and juvenile probations.
• Developing and monitoring rehabilitation treatment programs for probationers.
• Interviewing in crisis situations and determining and taking appropriate actions.
• Compiling and analyzing complex information from a variety of sources and developing sound recommendations.
• Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Preparing accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contact in the course of the work.

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must successfully complete training required by Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days of employment.
• Must successfully complete Probation Officer Core Training and Basic Supervision and possess CPR and First Aid certificates within first twelve 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, a behavioral science or a closely related field and three years of professional probation experience at a level equivalent to the County's classes of Senior Probation Officer or Probation Officer II.

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.

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 [phone] 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, and 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.