Probation Officer IV - Promotional

This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part-time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee to apply. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary Probation Department employees on the eligible list may be referred for this position.

About the Role

As a Probation Officer IV, you will supervise Probation Officers and oversee the day-to-day operations of an assigned unit. In this role, you provide leadership and support to staff while ensuring unit operations align with department philosophy and direction. You will exercise independent judgment and collaborate with law enforcement, community-based organizations, County agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Reviewing and editing court reports to ensure recommendations are consistent with the department's mission and values
• Evaluating staff performance and providing coaching, guidance, and training
• Providing consultation and expertise regarding complex cases
• Coordinating staffing assignments and maintaining appropriate coverage for the unit
• Implementing department initiatives and conducting regular unit meetings

This position may require working non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may supervise staff conducting home and field visits.

Requirements

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may qualify. Typically, this includes:

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, administration of justice, or a closely related field AND two years of full-time professional probation experience equivalent to the level of Probation Officer III with the County of Sonoma.
• OR significant academic coursework in sociology, behavioral and social psychology, social casework, social welfare, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field AND two years of full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to a journey-level Correctional Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Juvenile Correctional Counselor, Social Worker, Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, or Probation Assistant with Sonoma County PLUS two years of full-time professional probation experience equivalent to the class of Probation Officer III with the County of Sonoma.

Additional requirements include:

• United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (if a permanent resident alien has not obtained citizenship within three years after application or is denied citizenship, they will be disqualified for peace officer status).
• No prior felony conviction nor current formal probation supervision.
• A passing score on the California Corrections Standards Authority Probation Officer written exam or equivalent prior to appointment.
• Willingness to undergo and successfully complete an in-depth background investigation, including psychological evaluation, fingerprinting, criminal history check, and medical examination, including physical agilities testing.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements as required by the State of California, to perform essential job functions.

Skills

Thorough knowledge of:

• The theory and practice of social casework as they relate to investigation, evaluation, and supervision of juvenile and adult offenders in the probation setting.
• State laws relating to juvenile and adult probation.
• Community resources available for specialized treatment of probation clients.
• Sociology and psychology, particularly as they relate to personality development, behavior patterns, motivation, and group and family dynamics.
• Interviewing techniques and investigative procedures.
• Principles of research methodology, report writing, and basic statistics.
• Modern principles and practices related to professional probation work and court procedures.
• General community resources necessary to assist in crime and delinquency control.
• Penal, business, health, safety, and related codes relating to probation work.
• Written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition.

Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of supervision and office management techniques, practices, and procedures.

Ability to:

• Plan and supervise the work of subordinate Probation Officers.
• Work with and obtain the cooperation of juveniles and adults in relation to probation work.
• Read and understand written materials, including abstracts, financial, legal, and medical documents.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates and the public.
• Prepare and effectively present written and oral reports before the court and adversaries.
• Analyze investigational material and make proper deductions and recommendations.
• Exercise initiative, perseverance, and patience.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Apply existing laws, rules, and regulations relating to probation work.
• Effectively interview clients to obtain information on complex and sensitive subjects.
• Train, evaluate, and supervise subordinate Probation Officers.
• Physically restrain and/or apprehend offenders in the line of duty.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:

• Strong knowledge of criminal justice practices, California law and criminal procedures, and criminal history information.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to coach and hold staff accountable.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize workload to meet competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships, resolve problems, and work effectively with staff, County agencies, community-based organizations, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.