Probation Assistant

County of Shasta•Redding, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of a Deputy Probation Officer to perform a variety of basic casework support duties for the Probation Department and to perform related duties as required. This position is a para-professional class, non-sworn position for Probation. Incumbents work initially under close supervision and receive on-the-job training in basic casework management for the purpose of assisting a Deputy Probation Officer in performing the more routine casework duties. The Probation Assistant Class is distinguished from the class of Deputy Probation Officer I in that the latter is a sworn position, and is assigned the full range of casework duties.

Requirements

Knowledge of the basic principles affecting human behavior
Knowledge of basic causes of delinquency and crime
Knowledge of basic interviewing principles and techniques
Ability to learn and apply the principles and practices of probation work and casework techniques
Ability to interview persons from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds and obtain confidential information in a persistent, tactful and courteous manner
Ability to learn and apply Federal and State laws and County ordinances affecting probation
Ability to use sound judgment to assess problems and reach logical conclusions
Ability to write clear, concise and objective reports
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff and others
Ability to gather and analyze investigative materials
Ability to orally present and explain facts and situations clearly
Ability to learn to manage assigned caseload and to establish caseload priorities to meet legal and departmental requirements
Ability to learn to use community resources
Ability to learn to perform drug testing procedures
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, case files and statistical reports
Ability to learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer
Completion of 60 units from an accredited college or university with coursework in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, or other behavioral science; OR Two (2) years of experience either working in a Probation Department or performing duties involving the supervision, care, or leadership of juveniles or adults.

Nice To Haves

Excellent time management skills
Experienced in conflict resolution and de-escalation
Self-motivated
Teamwork skills
Problem solving skills
Decision making skills
Negotiation skills
Ability to learn and adapt to new systems

Responsibilities

Process and transport clients according to established guidelines and procedures
Process fines and other payments ordered by the court
Perform follow-up duties concerning delinquent fines
Perform drug testing on clients according to established procedures and guidelines
Monitor minimal supervision cases
Log calls and monthly reports
Prepare and send Failure to Comply notices
Monitor fines and other payments
Interview defendants at the County Jail
Submit written reports to the Court
Interview and process defendants for Adult Work Program
Type lists, letters, memos, and forms as required
Operate standard office equipment
Communicate with personnel from drug and alcohol programs and other agencies to receive and provide information concerning the status of probationers
Communicate with other probation departments concerning background checks on defendants
Maintain related files and records
Perform related duties as assigned