Probation Community Associate - Project

Why join the Contra Costa Probation Department? 

The Contra Costa County Probation Department is pleased to announce a recruitment to fill (1) one vacancy for Probation Community Associate. This is an excellent career opportunity for system-impacted individuals with a passion for community work, who are interested in probation work. Positions in this class are exempt from classified service and work in State and/or Federally funded project positions administered by Contra Costa County.    

Assignments will be throughout Contra Costa County, working in collaboration with sworn staff assigned to adult and/or juvenile clients through our Richmond, Antioch, or Martinez offices, performing various departmental functions.

Under general direction, Probation Community Associates will manage and coordinate supportive services for Probation clients, maintain electronic records of client contacts and other vital information, complete referrals, and perform other related work as required.  
 
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the capacity to collaborate effectively and communicate with diverse individuals. They should be adept at making sound judgments, possess knowledge of general resources available to clients, and be familiar with interviewing and counseling techniques.

The Probation Department upholds principles of integrity, equity, and excellence. Our mission is an unwavering commitment to justice, ethical application of the law, and a proven approach to rehabilitation. We envision building a skilled Probation team and fostering collaboration to create opportunities for those we serve to experience a positive outcome that strengthens individuals and makes the community safe.
 
We are looking for someone who is:

• Ethical, possesses integrity, and values fairness and excellence.
• Collaborative, demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, can work independently and as a team.
• Innovative and forward-thinking.
• Well organized, can prioritize tasks efficiently, and meet Department deadlines.
• Results driven.
• Reliable and maintains regular attendance. 
• Effectively engaging with both staff members and clients through verbal and written communication.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Clear, timely, and effective communication with both Probation staff and clients.
• Documenting vital client information in Probation’s electronic case management system.
• Instructing clients in essential daily living activities, including budgeting, cooking, shopping, hygiene, and self-advocacy.
• Offering housing assistance and support to youth residing in residential treatment programs, individuals in board and care homes, and clients in transitional housing.
• Addressing questions and concerns from clients and their families.
• Educating clients and their families regarding the foster care system.
• Attending and participating in departmental, community, and interagency meetings.
• Assists with reviewing clients' functional assessment, determining clients' needs in partnership with parent(s) and/or Probation staff, and participating in the child’s case plan and treatment plans.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• The workplace is professional, nurturing, and supportive.
• Contributing to the community and making a positive impact is fulfilling.
• You’ll experience a nice balance of teamwork and autonomy.
• You’ll work with great colleagues.
• You’ll engage in purpose-driven, passionate work.

A few challenges you might face in this job may include:

• Ensuring compliance with Department policies and procedures, meeting expectations.
• Navigating exposure to stressful situations and interacting with individuals affected by trauma.
• Effectively managing daily schedules, handling fluctuations, and prioritizing deadlines.

Competencies Required:

•  Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
•  Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
•  Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
•  Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
•  Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
•  Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
•  Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
•  Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers

Full job description: Class Specifications | Probation Community Associate - Project | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)

License Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.  Out of state valid motor vehicle operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: High School Diploma, GED, or current enrollment in or successful completion of a training program approved by the County Costa County Probation Department.

Examples of approved training programs include: 1) Fresh Lifelines Youth (FLY) leadership training program, 2) Men and Women of Purpose Mentorship Program, 3) Rubicon Job Training Program, 4) City of Antioch Job Training Program 

OR 

Experience: Six (6) months of experience providing peer support to individuals who are re-integrating into the community after incarceration.

Applicants with lived experience and expertise related to the adult or juvenile justice system or child welfare system are preferred.  

Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous personal experience with justice or child welfare systems.
• Certification of successful completion of Fresh Lifelines Youth (FLY) leadership training program, Men and Women of Purpose Mentorship Program, Rubicon Job Training Program, or City of Antioch Job Training Program.
• Knowledge of available public benefits and ability to guide the application process.
• Prior experience facilitating groups and training classes.
• Basic computer skills, office equipment, and other electronic devices.

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. 
2.  Hiring interview: February 2025

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process.
 
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
 
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Chris Miller at Chris.miller@hrd.cccounty.us.  For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627.

Salary : $44,766 - $54,413