Probation Officer I

As a Probation Officer I, you will learn how to:

• Interview clients, families, and other individuals to identify and evaluate various problems and determine how each case is to be treated
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with clients, refer to appropriate programs, set goals, and assess progress
• Facilitate Cognitive Behavioral groups
• Conduct investigations, collect data, and interpret a variety of information in order to establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Supervise the conduct of, and perform case management services for, adults and/or juveniles on supervision, diversion, wardship, or pretrial monitoring
• Direct delivery of services/interventions based on the use of evidence-based approaches
• Testify as a witness in court to defend recommendations, and make persuasive and critical presentations of facts, arguments and rebuttals
• Enforce legal conditions of supervision, diversion, wardship, or pretrial monitoring
• Prepare and complete comprehensive reports to the court
• Perform field contacts, searches, and arrests
• Work collaboratively, and maintain written and verbal contact, with service providers, attorneys, and collateral contacts

Ideal candidates will thrive in a team environment, have knowledge of the criminal and/or juvenile justice system, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and possess:

• Experience conducting interviews and obtaining information
• Experience writing reports that included information from a variety of sources, as well as presenting oral reports
• Experience working with individuals with diverse backgrounds
• The ability to review, comprehend, and implement established policies and procedures
• Experience utilizing and/or knowledge of evidence-based practices including the concept of accountability in working with adults and juveniles
• Basic computer skills to utilize software such as the Microsoft Office Suite
• English/Spanish bilingual skills are desired, but not required

Note: Individuals appointed to this class shall serve a probationary period of one year.  In addition, Probation Officers are Peace Officers as defined by Penal Code Section 830.5, and must successfully complete the Board of State and Community Corrections Probation Officer Core Course within one year of appointment. Incumbents must also successfully complete Penal Code 832 training within one year of appointment. Additionally, Probation Officers work non-traditional hours which may include weekend and evening hours. 
 
What We Offer 

• A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on assignment
• Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
• May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
• With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Probation Officer II (Salary up to $42.72/hour)
• Opportunities for additional premium pay depending on assignment, generally 5% for each assignment for a maximum of 10%

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association Memorandum Of Understanding (SCLEA MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple full-time Probation Officer I openings. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

 APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include possession of a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, administration of justice, or a closely related field.

OR

Significant academic course work or formal training in sociology, behavioral and social psychology, social casework, social welfare, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field, AND two years of full-time experience in a position equivalent, or closely related, to Correctional Officer, Social Worker, Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, Deputy Sheriff, Juvenile Correctional Counselor, or Probation Assistant with the County of Sonoma.

Additional Requirements: In accordance with California Government Code, Section 1029 - 1031, and the California Corrections Standards Authority, Title 15, Section 131, Minimum Standards for Selection, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (if a permanent resident alien has not obtained citizenship within three years after application for employment or is denied citizenship, he/she will be disqualified for peace officer status); have no prior felony conviction nor be under current formal probation supervision; and achieved a passing score on the California Corrections Standards Authority Probation Officer written exam, or equivalent prior to appointment.

Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo and successfully complete an in-depth background investigation, including a psychological evaluation, finger printing, criminal history check and a medical examination, including physical agility testing.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition; general community resources necessary to assist in crime and delinquency control; sociology and psychology particularly as they relate to personality development, behavior patterns, motivation, and group and family dynamics; interviewing techniques and investigative procedures; principles of research methodology, report writing and basic statistics; penal, business, health, safety and related codes relating to probation work.

Ability to: learn state and federal code and case law related to probation issues; prepare and present written and oral reports before the court and before adversaries to the court; analyze investigational material and make appropriate deductions and recommendations; establish and maintain personal working relationships with clients, staff, and community agencies and representatives; read and understand written material, including abstracts, and financial, legal and medical documents; exercise initiative, perseverance and patience; understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds; apply existing laws, rules and regulations; effectively interview clients to obtain information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects; physically restrain and/or apprehend offenders in the line of duty.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.