Juvenile Institutional Officer Series

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Alameda County Probation Department is to protect the public safety by providing supervision, services, support and opportunities to our clients on behalf of the people of Alameda County through quality supervision, leadership, services and effective partnerships.

THE AGENCY

The Alameda County Probation Department is an essential element of the County’s system of public protection and human services. The Department’s role is to reduce the impact of crime in the community by providing accurate, comprehensive and timely information and recommendations to the Courts, providing community-based sanctions and treatment for offenders, and working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and community organizations with similar objectives. The Department provides a wide range of mandated and discretionary investigative, advisory, and supervisory services to adult and juvenile probationers pursuant to State law and the County Charter.

THE POSITIONS

JIO Associate - Under close supervision, learns the principles and techniques of youth group work; assists in the supervision of a group of youth detained in Juvenile Hall or other Probation Department facilities; and, performs related work as required.

JIO - Under general supervision, act as group leader in directing the activities of youths detained in Juvenile Institutions; to supervise and counsel a group youth placed in Probation facilities; may provide lead direction to entry level Juvenile Institution Officer Associates; and perform related duties as required.

JIO Associate

Either I - Experience:

The equivalent of six months full time experience as a Juvenile Institutional Officer Intermittent in the Alameda County classified service.

OR II - Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full time experience involving the organization, direction, or supervision of youth groups in correctional counseling, or in a recreational or correctional setting.

OR III - Education:

A minimum of ten college or university level courses which may be expected to provide knowledge and skills required for this position. These courses must be equal to or greater than 30 semester units or 45 quarter units successfully completed. Coursework in the field of social sciences is highly desirable.

License - Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license. May be required to obtain a Class "B" driver's license. A good driving record according to DMV negligent operator guidelines and qualifications for automotive insurance.

*See the website for JIO minimum qualification requirements.

Special Requirements:

Persons appointed to positions in this class in the Probation Department must meet the minimum standards for Peace Officer Section 1031 Government Code, which includes being a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

*Effective January 1, 2023, all candidates for peace officer are not required to be a US citizen but must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. (SB 960).

A thorough background investigation will be made of all prospective Juvenile Institutional Officers. Any felony conviction is disqualifying.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

Applicants must have graduated from high school, attained a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or passed a California High School proficiency examination.

Applicants must be found free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a Peace Officer, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with the California Government Code.

Applicants will be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal records.

Within the prescribed time limit after date of appointment, satisfactory completion of training for Juvenile Institutional Officer as specified by the California Board of State and Community Corrections, Peace Officer Standards and Training PC 832, PC 6035 and PC 6036 as required, and any other training required under law.

Incumbents must be available to work all shifts and locations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Awareness of the cultural groups present in Alameda County.
• General emotional and behavioral patterns of both delinquent and non-delinquent youth and the causes of juvenile delinquency.
• Leadership techniques for directing or supervising work or leisure time activities.
• Community resources.
• First aid practices.
• Acceptable general health care and housekeeping methods.
• Security, inspection and safety necessary in a secure/non secure facility.
• Department facilities.
• Juvenile laws and departmental rules and regulations.

Skill in:

• Restraining youth.
• Administering first aid.
• Applying restraint devices such as handcuffs, etc.
• Proper use and deployment of Olerosin Capsicum (OC).

Ability to:

• Respond appropriately to hostile and aggressive behavior.
• Secure the respect and confidence of youth.
• Establish effective working relationships with supervisors and fellow workers.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Organize and supervise structured recreational and housekeeping activities appropriate to a detention setting and counseling, both in groups and with individuals.
• Work successfully with people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Diffuse crisis situations in a calm and positive manner.
• Work effectively with youth, physically, or emotionally handicapped minors, and hostile or irate persons.
• Make constructive and appropriate decisions.
• Exercise sound judgment.
• All staff are expected to be fully alert while on duty.