What are the responsibilities and job description for the Probation Officer I - Probation Department position at Humboldt County?
DEFINITION
Probation Officers may be assigned to work in either the Juvenile or Adult Division. The Department aims to improve community safety through offender rehabilitation, cognitive restructuring, and accountability. Officers learn methods of conducting field work safely as well as to deliver evidence based cognitive behavioral interventions targeted an offender’s specific needs.
What You'll Do:
- Probation Officer serve as peace officers and provide supervision, enforcement of court ordered conditions of probation, and case management to youth and adults who have been granted probation by the Juvenile or Criminal Courts.
- Conduct risk and needs assessments of offenders and develop case plans.
- Conduct pre-sentencing investigations and write Court reports making recommendations for sentencing.
- Coordinate with service providers within our community and make referrals to rehabilitative services.
Probation offices are located in Eureka. Probation Officers provide field supervision in all cities and unincorporated areas of the County, so travel to these areas during the course of the work day may be required. Employees will regularly use a county vehicle to travel throughout the County to perform work.
The typical schedule is Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, with a 1-hour lunch. With the option of an alternate 9 / 80 schedule upon request and approval.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
The successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo a detailed background investigation.
This recruitment is open until filled. County Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
The successful applicant for this recruitment will need to attend and pass BOTH a written exam and oral exam. The written exam will be held IN PERSON, in EUREKA, CALIFORNIA. A written exam session will be held EVERY OTHER TUESDAY and successful applicants will receive an email invitation to attend.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties in intake and field probation work for juveniles and adults; serves as Peace Officer as described in Penal Code section 830.5; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Probation Officer I is the entry level class in this professional series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents provide probation services while learning policies, rules and procedures. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class is alternately staffed with Probation Officer II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.
Probation Officer II is the journey level class in this professional series, fully competent to perform a broad spectrum of probation duties for a diversified clientele. Incumbents in this class are responsible for monitoring adult and juvenile probationers and for enforcing adherence to the court ordered conditions of probation. This class is distinguished from Senior Probation Officer in that the latter provides lead direction to probation staff or performs specialized probation duties.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Monitors assigned probationary caseload of juveniles and/or adults; assesses probationer's needs and develops rehabilitation programs.
- Ensures adherence to the court ordered conditions of probation; counsels and advises probationers regarding pertinent personal, social, educational, financial, vocational and health matters; makes arrests, conducts drug tests and searches of residences.
- Arranges and monitors placement of probationers in various rehabilitation and/or treatment programs; transports prisoners and detainees in custody; returns absconders.
- Intervenes in crisis situations involving probationers; interviews and advises probationers, family members, victims and others; confers with other departments or agencies and makes referrals as needed.
- Investigates and processes probation violations and makes recommendations regarding revocation of probation; arrests and transports probationers to detention facility.
- Compiles, investigates, verifies and presents reports on personal, social, educational, financial, vocational, health and/or prior criminal history of probationers; presents reports to various courts, officials and agencies; develops and presents recommendations for case disposition and/or sentencing.
- Represents the department and appears and/or testifies in court for a variety of hearings such as jurisdiction or violation of probation; attends special and/or annual reviews and/or sealing of records for assigned probationers.
- Reviews arrest and citations involving minors within the County; prepares referrals for prosecution or determines disposition.
- Writes and files a variety of legal documents and reports relating to assigned probationers; writes progress report notes and maintains accurate case files.
- Completes court-ordered investigations, including conservatorships.
- Serves as Placement Officer; investigates and monitors placement resources; transports juveniles.
- Identifies and develops community resources including foster parents and residential facilities; coordinates licensing procedures.
- Coordinates and administers support programs for probation such as diversion or community service work.
- Maintains communication and liaison with law enforcement, social services, probation and other community resource agencies.
- Interviews and/or performs background investigations for civil court matters, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: The level and scope of knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices and techniques of probation.
- Sentencing laws and victim's rights.
- Principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification.
- Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
- Community resources and agencies.
- Methods of arrest and restraint.
- Principles of officer safety in the field, including fire and life safety.
- Methods and techniques of effective interviewing.
- Basic principles, practices and procedures of adult and juvenile criminal and civil justice systems.
- Assessing and evaluating the risks and needs of adult and juvenile probationers.
- Developing and monitoring rehabilitation treatment programs for probationers.
- Interviewing in crises situations and determining and taking appropriate actions.
- Compiling and analyzing complex information from a variety of sources and developing sound recommendations.
- Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Using tact, discretion and prudence in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
- Composing accurate and effective reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Must possess a valid California driver's license. Specified position must possess a valid Class B California driver's license. Must be a citizen of the United States. Must be at least eighteen years of age at the time of appointment. Must be a high school graduate, have passed the GED Test or have attained a two year or four year degree from an accredited college or university. Must be able to meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation. Level I must successfully complete training required by Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days of employment and the State
Corrections Standard Authority STC Probation Officer Core Course within first twelve months of employment. Level II incumbents must possess and maintain such certifications.
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
Probation Officer I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, a behavioral science or a closely related field.
Probation Officer II: In addition to the above, one year of probation experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Probation Officer I.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
