8530-Deputy Probation Officer (SFERS)

City and County of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Deputy Probation Officers work under supervision in the San Francisco Adult Probation Department or Juvenile Probation Department. They investigate and supervise adults, juveniles, and court wards; prepare reports and recommendations for courts; assist with detention, sentencing, and disposition decisions; and counsel probationers to support compliance with court orders and access to educational, vocational, treatment, and family services. The role includes intensive case management, specialized assignments, and assisting with training new or reassigned officers. The position may coordinate clerical or technical staff and may supervise less experienced Deputy Probation Officers when the Supervising Probation Officer is absent. Officers work with people who may experience mental health issues, aggressive behavior, substance abuse, or homelessness. They conduct interviews and investigations, visit people in custody and in the field, gather background information, prepare reports, and may make arrests, conduct home visits, and appear in court regarding probation compliance. They coordinate with justice partners, victims, families, employers, public health services, and community organizations, and connect probationers with resources such as education, treatment, employment, housing, and family therapy. Assignments may focus on high-risk populations, and officers may participate in citywide task forces. The exam process establishes eligible lists for vacancies in both the Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments. Newly hired officers must complete mandatory training during their 12-month probationary period. Adult Probation Department officers must also complete firearms training during that period because some assignments may require carrying a firearm. Officers must maintain the requirements for peace officer status under California Government Code regulations. Work may include nights, weekends, and holidays, with schedules and locations determined by departmental needs. Off-duty conduct may affect employment status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Valid California Class C Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
Understanding of factors that may cause crime and delinquency, and of supervision principles and evidence-based practices.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws; time and case management; cultural competency; and community resources.
Proficiency with a case management system and ability to collaborate with justice partners in a diverse work environment.
Effective communication and report-writing skills, critical thinking, decision-making, caseload management, task prioritization, and confidentiality.
Self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and ability to navigate challenging situations professionally and tactfully.
Physical fitness and ability to arrest and detain, use self-defense techniques, restrain individuals, and use restraint devices such as handcuffs.
Ability to use a firearm for Adult Probation Department assignments, where required.
Ability to complete mandatory training during the 12-month probationary period and meet requirements to maintain peace officer status.

Responsibilities

Conduct general and pre-sentence investigations.
Investigate and supervise adults, juveniles, or court wards.
Prepare reports and recommendations for courts, including recommendations related to detention, sentencing, dispositions, and case management.
Counsel probationers and help them comply with court orders and access educational, vocational, and family therapy services.
Perform intensive case management and connect individuals with resources such as substance abuse treatment, employment, housing, and education.
Conduct interviews, gather background information, and visit individuals in custody and in the field, including home visits.
Make arrests and represent the department in court regarding probation compliance, as required.
Coordinate with law enforcement, victims, families, employers, public health, and community-based organizations.
Participate in specialized assignments and citywide task forces addressing high-risk populations and public safety concerns.
Assist in training new and reassigned officers.
Coordinate clerical or technical personnel and, when needed, supervise less experienced Deputy Probation Officers in the absence of the Supervising Probation Officer.