Deputy Probation Officer III

County of Monterey • Salinas, CA

6d

About The Position

The County of Monterey Probation Department is hiring Deputy Probation Officer IIIs, the advanced, lead-worker level in the Deputy Probation Officer series. These positions generally require little or no supervision and handle the series’ most complex and difficult work, requiring greater expertise and experience. The role includes all duties performed by Deputy Probation Officer I and II. The eligible list may be used county-wide to fill current and future regular full-time, part-time, or temporary vacancies. This classification is part of a flexible series; employees appointed at a lower level may advance to a higher level if they meet its employment standards and the appointing authority recommends promotion.

Deputy Probation Officers investigate and supervise adult and juvenile offenders, assess individual circumstances, make recommendations to the court, and develop and implement probation plans using Evidence Based Practices. They manage probation caseloads, monitor compliance with probation conditions, counsel clients and families, prepare reports and court documents, and appear in court. Officers are expected to maintain current knowledge of relevant laws, codes, practices, theories, and departmental procedures through continuing education and training.

Employment requires meeting specified citizenship or residency, age, education, background, testing, licensing, and training conditions. Depending on assignment, officers must work flexible hours, including shifts, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to wear a uniform, carry a firearm, and use officer-safety equipment. Applicants must complete the County application and supplemental questions and may be assessed through oral, written, performance, or pre-examination exercises.

Requirements

• Completion of degree requirements in Administration of Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related field; or two years of experience performing the full range of probation officer duties comparable to Deputy Probation Officer II.
• Thorough knowledge of applied psychology and counseling techniques as they pertain to juveniles and adults.
• Thorough knowledge of effective record-keeping procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of laws and codes pertaining to juveniles and adults.
• Thorough knowledge of investigation and supervision (case management) techniques for juvenile and adult criminal offenders.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and others encountered in the course of work.
• Ability to gather and analyze facts concerning law or supervision violations using criminal justice databases and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports, letters, and recommendations using computerized programs.
• Ability to read and understand laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to probation work.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien eligible for and having applied for citizenship.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED (average standard score of 45, with no score less than 35).
• Must be free of felony convictions.
• Must satisfactorily pass the Probation Department’s background investigation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test, physical agility test, and psychological evaluation.
• Must work flexible hours, including shift work, weekends, and holidays, as required by assignment.
• Must wear a uniform, carry a firearm, and use officer-safety equipment as required by assignment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
• Must obtain Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification in Laws of Arrest within one year of appointment.
• Must successfully complete the Probation Officer Core Course in the Standards and Training for Corrections Program within one year of appointment, demonstrating satisfactory proficiency or relevant achievement-test results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations by interviewing adult or juvenile offenders, their families, and other interested individuals.
• Assess clients’ environmental, employment, financial, and domestic circumstances as relevant to their cases.
• Analyze gathered facts and recommend sentencing and dispositions for probationers.
• Prepare probation plans and implement them using Evidence Based Practices.
• Manage caseloads of juvenile and/or adult probationers and ensure compliance with probation conditions.
• Conduct random office and field interviews with clients.
• Observe and collect urine samples for chemical analysis; conduct random searches of individuals, vehicles, and homes; collect evidence; and make arrests.
• File petitions for court action and prepare detailed reports using computerized programs.
• Appear before courts to present recommendations on probation-case dispositions and provide information as required.
• Counsel clients and their families.
• Conduct client home, school, and work visits and prepare written progress reports documenting pertinent details for case files.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant codes, laws, principles, best practices, evolving theories, and departmental functions and procedures through continuing education and training.

Benefits

• The County offers an excellent benefits package; details are available in the Unit M Benefit Summary Sheet. Benefits may not apply to employees hired into temporary positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior