Deputy Probation Officer I

Butte County•Oroville, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close or general supervision or direction, performs a variety of professional peace officer duties in the field of adult and juvenile community corrections and juvenile residential corrections. Conducts investigations and monitoring of adult or juvenile offenders in a community setting and may provide custody, security, and programming of juveniles in an institutional setting. Provides pre-trial, pre-sentence and post-sentence recommendations to the court. Manages caseloads, provides support, and guidance to alleged and convicted offenders. This is the entry-level classification in the Deputy Probation Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine probation services. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is generally supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Requirements

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, social science, behavioral science, or a closely related field; OR Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, social science, behavioral science, or a closely related field; AND Two (2) years of experience working with members of the public, keeping records, interpreting and applying laws and regulations, and working with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the custody, rehabilitation, safety and security, and well-being of youths in a juvenile detention facility and probationers.
Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and equipment used in a juvenile detention facility.
Knowledge of methods and techniques needed when dealing appropriately with youths in custody.
Knowledge of proper safety and security practices and precautions as they relate to a juvenile detention facility.
Knowledge of basic principles, practices, and procedures of juvenile, adult, civil and criminal justice systems.
Knowledge of first aid and emergency medical procedures.
Knowledge of principles and practices of adult and juvenile probation work including evidence-based practices and conducting investigations and assessments.
Knowledge of principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification including interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention.
Knowledge of cultural, economic, and social factors affecting adult and juvenile justice system-involved individuals.
Knowledge of local and general community resources available to probationers and families.
Knowledge of case planning and management.
Knowledge of court procedures and operations.
Knowledge of principles of investigation and laws governing search and seizure and preservation of evidence.
Knowledge of record keeping principles and procedures.
Knowledge of principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to enforce Probation and Juvenile Hall policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of those supervised.
Ability to supervise and monitor probationers, including completing court-ordered investigations, placement in rehabilitation programs, enforcing terms of probation, search and seizure, arrest, transport, and/or recommending revocation of probation.
Ability to assess and evaluate the risks and needs of adult and youth probationers, and detained youth, by conducting investigations and assessments, including in crisis situations, and determining appropriate actions.
Ability to educate and counsel youth on positive behavior in accordance with established protocols.
Ability to respond to emergency and crisis situations calmly and effectively.
Ability to demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for youth and families from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work under stressful conditions with youths who are delinquent and/or emotionally disturbed.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and comprehensive records.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural, guidelines.
Ability to develop and implement effective case management strategies including case plans with objectives, goals, and rehabilitation plans.
Ability to research, compile, and analyze case-related documents and make appropriate deductions and recommendations based on information.
Ability to respond in emergency and crisis situations calmly and effectively.
Ability to demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work under stressful conditions with individuals who are delinquent and/or emotionally disturbed.
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations related to probation.
Ability to testify in court.
Ability to effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; and in meetings with individuals.
Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application.
Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
Must successfully complete and obtain the following department provided trainings within the first year of employment: A Standards and Training Probation Officer and/or Juvenile Corrections Officer CORE certificate certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), A certificate of completion of Penal Code 832 Course in Arrest, Search and Seizure issued by California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.; and A CPR/First Aid certification by the authority of the Board of State and Community Corrections Training Manual.
Maintain California Board of State and Community Corrections physical standards including mobility, physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and perform assigned duties.
Vision to maintain a firearms qualification (if assigned) and to read printed materials and a computer screen.
Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, over the telephone and radio.
Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
The position requires fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, and climbing and descending structures to access work sites.
Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
Positions in this classification must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 150 pounds as necessary to perform job functions.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment and to operate public safety equipment.
Employees work indoors and outdoors, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
The duties of this class are performed in an environment with exposure to criminal justice and juvenile justice system-involved individuals, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.
Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Must be willing to work emergencies and on evenings, weekends, and holidays and work rotating shifts.
Must meet minimum standards as described in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031.
Must be willing to abide by California Penal Code Sections 830.5, and California Government Code Section 8617.
Must meet physical standards established by the California Board of State and Community Corrections and any other pre-employment as well as ongoing peace officer requirements pursuant to federal, state, and local legislation.
Must be willing to work with criminal justice and juvenile justice system-involved individuals.
These positions have peace officer status under Penal Code Section 830.5 and may require incumbents to be armed.
All Deputy Probation Officers will be expected to participate in a continuum of force training program which includes control of aggression, tactical negotiations, unarmed defensive tactics, and use of pepper spray.
Incumbents may also enroll in, and successfully complete, the department's arming training, maintain qualification standards, and may be requested to accept an armed assignment at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Nice To Haves

Applicants who have already taken the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) written exam for Juvenile Corrections Officer, Adult Corrections Officer or Probation Officer within the last twelve months with Butte County or any other agency and received a T-Score of 47.0 or higher may not have to take the written examination.

Responsibilities

Performs the full range of responsibilities as a California Peace Officer as identified in PC 830.5.
Maintains communication and liaison with families, law enforcement, social services, educators, and other community resource agencies.
Performs case management services while ensuring adherence to conditions of probation and facilitating rehabilitation by supervising, counseling, and monitoring clients on probation.
Interviews probationers, families, and other individuals using evidence-based practices to investigate and assess probationer criminal and social history, risks, and needs and to determine how each case is to be treated; develops and implements case plans based on probationer’s history and needs.
Prepares various court reports including assessments, case plans, petitions, discovery, and related legal and case documents; provides court with a sentencing recommendation.
Conducts investigations and field searches using accepted data collection methods to establish facts and draw valid conclusions; analyzes data including, but not limited to medical, social history, and legal reports, as well as other documents.
Makes arrests of violators, serves warrants, and issues citations.
Represents the department at various court proceedings and/or testifies in court and other hearings regarding sentencing recommendations, probation violations and termination, revocation hearings, probation modifications, case disposition, and case related issues.
Requests evaluations, refers, and coordinates and monitors participation in mental health, medical, substance abuse, community service, and related treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Intervenes in crisis situations, counsels individuals and families, and makes referrals.
Works closely with schools, courts, community agencies, law enforcement, District Attorney and staff, client attorneys, other legal representation, and others during the course of client’s probation including attending various meetings.
Coordinates ongoing activities of various probation programs including but not limited to work release, home supervision/electronic monitoring, and community service.
Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, files, legal documents, correspondence, and records.
Transports probationers to custodial facilities and court hearings.
Attends meetings and participates in training; stays abreast of new trends, new legislation, court decisions and innovations in the field of probation.
Monitors a caseload of youth detained at the County Juvenile Hall.
Oversees, monitors, and ensures the safety, security, treatment, recreation, personal hygiene, and other daily living activities of youth detained at the County Juvenile Hall.
Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and department policies and procedures.
Plans, organizes, and supervises a program of work, education, and recreation for a group of youth in the County’s Juvenile Hall; monitors daily activities and leisure time to ensure adherence to established schedules; conducts room and other visual checks for facility security and health related purposes.
Educates youth on positive behavior in accordance with established protocols; confers with assigned supervisor and others regarding behavior issues and to determine appropriate responses for rule infractions; implements behavior modification; holds juveniles accountable for their behavior.
Communicates and consults with attorneys, the Court, families, law enforcement and social service agencies regarding youth detained at the County Juvenile Hall.
Performs case management services to youth and their families; conducts intake assessments and develops individualized treatment plans including behavior modification goals; provides crisis intervention, re-entry planning and referral as required; facilitates and co-facilitates group sessions to provide supportive counseling and self-help education.
Reviews medical orders; ensures youth receive prescribed medication when appropriate; performs first aid when needed; may complete routine medical screening.
Oversees control room; compiles, updates, and generates reports on youth in custody; completes and maintains files; verifies and ensures accuracy of data; documents daily activities, behavioral observations, and general information; monitors and records progress on counseling goals.
Supervises on-site visitations; remains alert for potential problems and takes measures to reduce tension and avoid violence.
Transports youth to and from the court, medical and dental appointments, work sites, and other juvenile correctional facilities.
Supervises youth while on community services projects and vocational readiness projects; ensures the completion of work in a timely manner, a safe work site, and that proper and safe working procedures are followed.