What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Probation Officer I position at County of San Luis Obispo?
The anticipated salary range for hire is $70,179.20 - $77,376.00 annually. The top of the range for salary advancement is $99,507.20.
The Probation department is seeking self-motivated, dedicated, professionals to fill the position of Deputy Probation Officer. In this role, you will be responsible for providing professional services to offenders involving the referral, supervision, counseling, and rehabilitation of individuals on probation.
Under supervision, the Deputy Probation Officer I/II class is a series responsible for conducting investigations for the Courts and the supervision of youths and adults on probation, post release community supervision, and mandatory supervision through the application of basic principles of evidence-based practices and case management services; and perform other related work as required.
(Not in order of importance)
- Conduct investigations of cases referred to the department by the courts, law enforcement, social services and other agencies;
- Supervise youth/adult offenders and work with their families, relatives and community service providers through field supervision and community based contacts;
- Arrange for services for youth/adult offenders who have identified needs in such areas as education, employment, housing, substance abuse, criminal thinking, mental illness, and medical care;
- Interact with youth/adult offenders to help them understand their problems and needs and make appropriate referrals based on the individual;
- Prepare written reports with recommendations to the Court and keep records;
- As needed, testify in court concerning the social history, motives and personality of the offender and level of compliance with the terms and conditions of probation;
- Conduct investigations when a probation violation is alleged, which includes interviewing, search and seizure and collection of evidence;
- Apprehend and arrest probationers who are suspected of involvement in criminal activity or violation of probation;
- Complete probation violation reports and crime reports when appropriate;
- Participate in various types of training activities;
- Provide general probation information to the public and professional agencies;
- Work cooperatively with other law enforcement, court and social services/treatment staff and may participate in multi-agency task force assignments
This is the entry-level class in the Deputy Probation Officer series. Incumbents work under close supervision while acquiring the knowledge and skills required of the journey level.
Click here to view detailed job description for Deputy Probation Officer I.
This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
The ideal candidate will possess general knowledge of modern principles of adult and juvenile probation casework and related court procedures, principles and methods of investigation and supervision of probation cases, and knowledge of individual and group behaviors. Strong organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills are desired, as is the ability to motivate others. The willingness to utilize law enforcement equipment, make physical arrests, and work under stress and adverse conditions is desired. Also, we are seeking individuals with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with adult and youth offenders on probation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree. (Related work experience as a peace officer or another field involving the care, supervision, education, counseling, or leadership of adults or youths may be substituted for the required education. Social workers or parole agents would be examples of positions with relatable experience.)
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Satisfactory completion of the Board of Correction, Standards and Training for Corrections, for Group and Counselor CORE Academy within (1) year of appointment.
Must successfully complete the Laws and Arrest component of Penal Code 832 training within (1) year of appointment.
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca.
Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
For more information regarding the Probation Department, please visit our website at Probation - County of San Luis Obispo.
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
- An initial application screening and assessment will be conducted to determine if candidates meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
- A mandatory written exam (online) and Physical Agility Test (PAT) will be administered for all those who meet minimum qualifications. Those who pass BOTH the written and physical agility exam will advance to next steps, as defined by the department.
- Finalists will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before being hired by the Probation Department.
Written Exam:
Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Adult Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Probation Officer Classifications. Study materials can be obtained via The Candidate Orientation Booklet on the BSCC website. This resource provides a helpful overview of the exam including sample questions. This booklet is available online at:bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/COB.pdf
Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the overview and sample exam ahead of the actual test date.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have taken this exam with another agency in the last year, you may be eligible to utilize your score to waive the written exam portion of the recruitment process. Please contact Miranda Wall at mewall@co.slo.ca.us to determine eligibility.
Physical Agility Test (PAT):
The PAT consists of four events. Each event is scored as a pass/fail and has time limitations. You must pass ALL four events below to move forward in the recruitment process.
- BODY DRAG: This event is meant to represent dragging someone who is physically incapacitated. It requires lifting and dragging a lifelike dummy that is lying on the ground and weighs approximately 150-lb. The dummy must be dragged 30 feet. This event must be accomplished in 30 seconds or less.
- WEIGHTED AGILITY RUN: This event will require you to walk briskly or jog through a 150-foot zigzag barrier course. This course will consist of three sharp turns. At the 75-foot mark, you will pick up a 20-lb weighted object and carry it back through the course. This event must be accomplished in 30 seconds or less.
- 550 YARD RUN: This test will simulate a long-distance run without obstacles. This event must be accomplished in 3 minutes or less.
- Fourth event to be determined
Since the events involve running, you can prepare for the test by practicing both short sprints and longer runs. The 550-yard run is equivalent to about two city blocks up and back. The other two events involve upper body strength. It is possible to condition yourself for these by doing push-ups and pull-ups.
Must be able to work a variety of shifts including irregular hours, weekends and holidays.
PEACE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS
Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031.
Personal History Statement - Peace Officer Form 2-251:
All applicants that are invited to department interviews will be required to complete, sign, and return a Personal History Statement (PHS) directly to the Probation Department. More details and instructions will follow after the final filing date with a status of your application. The personal history statement form can be accessed at https://post.ca.gov/Forms under the Background/Hiring section.
Medical Exam:
All candidates will be required to take a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment medical examination will include a vision and hearing test, pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, and treadmill stress test.
Polygraph/Psychological Exam:
The polygraph examination will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation. The psychological examination will include the administration of psychological tests, an assessment of psychological factors, and an interview with a County-designated Psychologist.
Background Check:
To accept a position with the Probation Office, you must successfully complete a Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion. Please review the below list:
- Any felony conviction
- Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
- Poor employment history
- Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
- Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
- Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
- Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
- Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
- Any crime committed against a child
- Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
- Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process
Issues that arise during the investigation process will be assessed, and judgement and discretion will be used to determine the employability of the candidate. Where there is evidence of a candidate’s past use of controlled substances, many factors shall be used to determine the employability of the individual such as a pattern of use, kind of drug used, circumstances of the start of the drug use, treatment, behavior, and attitude since discontinuance, etc. Please note that a history of using controlled substances does not result in automatic disqualification from the selection process. Prior to disqualifying any candidate whose profile falls within the provisions of the policy, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to present any and all evidence of mitigating facts that the candidate feels should be considered by the hiring authority.
The results of these examinations and the background investigation shall be confidential and shall not be available to the candidate or any unauthorized individuals for review.
The results of these examinations and the background investigation shall be confidential and shall not be available to the candidate or any unauthorized individuals for review.
Salary : $70,179 - $89,565
