Deputy Probation Officer I/II

This recruitment may close at any time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

About the role

The Deputy Probation Officer I classification is the entry-level Peace Officer position for new officers who generally have little or no prior work history in a probation department. Officers may be assigned to intake, investigation, supervision, or multi-agency collaborative projects in adult or juvenile casework in a variety of locations in Stanislaus County.

Assignments involve the possibility of bodily injury, dealing with angry, hostile and potentially combative clientele, and exposure to infectious diseases that can cause chronic illness or death. Some positions include exposure to offensive odors and bodily fluids, exposure to chemical weapons such as pepper spray, and are required to use tasers and firearms. This position may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Additional compensation of 2.5% will be paid to incumbents who are authorized, qualified, and maintain qualifications to carry a firearm. An additional 2.5% will be paid to incumbents who are authorized, qualified to carry a firearm, and in an armed assignment. An additional 3% will be paid upon completion of Probation Officer Core Training. An additional 2.5% will be paid to eligible certified bilingual incumbents.

Responsibilities

• Review law enforcement or court referrals and apply State law and departmental policy to determine appropriate recommendation and disposition.
• Interview offenders, family members, victims, and others critical to appropriate case disposition.
• Access and comprehend law enforcement, school, mental health, social services, and other reference materials.
• Provide monitoring and supervision of offenders under court order or departmental disposition, including face-to-face contact with offenders, family members, law enforcement, employers, victims, and other public or private agencies in various locations (office, custodial facilities, offender’s home, school, or place of work).
• Prepare accurate and objective memos, court reports, and statistical reports.
• Testify in court as required.
• Transport probationers as necessary or required.
• Conduct drug testing of probationers.
• Conduct searches of a probationer, his/her residence, or vehicle as authorized by court order and departmental policy.
• Arrest probationers as authorized by State law and departmental policy.
• Locate, broker, and monitor social services to aid probationer and his/her family.
• Attend training classes and meetings.
• Develop and monitor individualized case plans and case file materials to assist probationers in complying with the law, court orders, and achieving a law-abiding, productive lifestyle.
• Develop, monitor, and report on job performance and performance-based outcome measures.
• Arrange for payment of restitution and fines.

Requirements

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree at the time of appointment (any field).
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License.
• Must be free from any prior felony convictions.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must provide fingerprints for a criminal records check.
• Must be of "good moral character" as determined by a background investigation.
• Must have a High School diploma or GED equivalency.
• Must be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of Peace Officer powers.
• Must complete the Probation Core Course certified by the California Corrections Standards Authority, or equivalent certifying agency, within the first 12 months of appointment.
• Must successfully complete PC 832 Laws of Arrest, PC 832 Firearms, 40-hour interdepartmental IFORCE, FTO training, tactical baton, weapon retention, and OC pepper spray certification training within 12 months of appointment.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles of human behavior, communication, adult and juvenile probation, and applicable court procedures.
• Knowledge of State laws and County ordinances affecting adult and juvenile probation.
• Knowledge of modern casework techniques applicable to probation work.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex written materials, including legal documents, psychological evaluations, and other technical reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with criminal offenders, including potentially hostile and aggressive individuals.
• Ability to analyze investigative materials and make proper deductions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with law enforcement and other allied agencies.
• Ability to learn to use computer terminals and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval, and other applications.
• Ability to successfully complete required training, which may involve overnight assignments away from home.
• Ability to work well under considerable pressure and with deadlines for work completion.
• Ability to learn to use radios, defensive chemical weapons, firearms, and mechanical physical restraints.

Desirable Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience in a paid or volunteer position in a justice system or social services agency.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement benefits (2.7% at approximately age 57 formula).
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic term life insurance plans.
• 2 weeks of annual vacation upon entering County service, plus 16 additional vacation hours annually.
• 96 hours of sick leave annually.
• 12 paid holidays annually.
• Optional participation in Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account programs.
• Optional Supplemental Life & AD&D insurance plans.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Schedule

This position may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Examination Process

• Application Review and Screening: Applications are carefully screened based on provided information. Incomplete applications lacking relevant qualifications or required documents will not proceed.
• Orientation: Mandatory attendance to continue in the recruitment process.
• Physical Agility Examination:
  • Prone Plank: Hold a prone plank position for 30 seconds, repeated three times with 20-second rests.
  • Body Drag: Lift and drag a 165 lb. dummy 32 feet in 20 seconds or less.
  • Stair Climb: Run 15 yards, climb up and down a flight of stairs, and sprint back to the starting line in 30 seconds or less.
  • Scale Chain Link Fence: Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over, and continue running 25 yards in 25 seconds or less.
  • Scale Solid Fence: Run 5 yards to a 6-foot solid fence, climb over, and continue running 25 yards in 30 seconds or less.
  • Obstacle Course: Run a 99-yard obstacle course in 30 seconds or less, including sharp turns, curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle.
  • Endurance Challenge: Run 500 yards in 2.5 minutes or less, immediately followed by 10 push-ups in 20 seconds or less.
  • Trigger Pull: Raise an unloaded pistol to shoulder height and pull the trigger at least 40 times with each hand within 1 minute, keeping the laser dot within a 9-inch circular target area.
• Written Examination: Samples can be found by searching “Probation Officer Examination” on the Internet.
• Oral Examination: A ranking oral examination. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list effective for six months (extendable up to eighteen months).
• Polygraph Examination: A pre-employment exam completed prior to the background investigation.
• Personal History Statement and Background Investigation: Thorough Peace Officer background investigation.
• Conditional Offer Examination: Includes drug testing, physical examination, fingerprint clearance, and a psychological examination.
• Selection Interview: Interview with the Chief Probation Officer.

Unsatisfactory results in any aspect of the foregoing, including background investigation findings, may result in removal from the eligibility list.