Deputy Probation Officer I
- Contra Costa County, CA
- $90,363-115,328 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
The Contra Costa County Probation Department is seeking qualified individuals to fill vacancies for the position of Deputy Probation Officer I. Deputy Probation Officer I is an entry-level position in the probation series. Incumbents may be assigned either to the adult or juvenile division and perform departmental functions such as intake, investigation, supervision, placement, specialized services, or court support. Close supervision and training are provided to incumbents in this class.Deputies are expected to perform a full range of probation duties including supervising a caseload of juvenile and/or adult offenders, counseling clients, investigating complex cases, writing pre-sentence/dispositional reports, and performing related work as required.The ideal candidate will have the ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a variety of individuals; apply sound judgment and determine the truth of statements. In addition, the candidate will have knowledge of the principles of adult and juvenile probation, social casework, have an understanding of the court procedures; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances affecting adult and juvenile probation work, principles and findings of applied psychology, and interviewing and counseling techniques.The Probation Department values integrity, fairness, and excellence. The mission of the Probation Department is to have an unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of adversity, an ethical application of the law, and a proven approach to rehabilitation. The Department's vision is to build a talented Probation team working collaboratively to create opportunities for those we serve to experience a positive outcome that strengthens the individual and makes the community safe.We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong communication skills and can effectively communicate with clients and other staff members
- Is ethical, possesses integrity, and values fairness and excellence
- Has the ability to maintain consistent and regular attendance
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, can work independently and as a team
- Can work closely with police officers, courts, community-based organizations, parents, and guardians
- Can be a positive role model displaying empathy
- Is well organized, can prioritize workload, and meet Court and Departmental deadlines.
- Conducting investigations of adults and/or juveniles
- Analyzing facts gathered through investigations
- Providing the court with written evaluations and recommendations
- Appearing in court to represent the department
- Supervising a caseload of juveniles and/or adults placed on probation by the court to ensure the conditions of probation are met
- Conducting offender home, office, school, and work visits
- Counseling offenders and their families
- Enforcing court directives
- Encouraging offenders to participate in treatment program(s) and monitor participation
- Using a computer to access information, prepare reports, memos, and correspondence, complete forms, maintain records/statistics and communicate via e-mail
- Responding to inquiries and requests from victims of crime and submitting restitution reports to the court
- The workplace is professional, nurturing, and supportive
- You will make the community a safer place
- You make a positive impact in the lives of Probation clients whom you work with
- Competitive salary and benefits, with training provided
- Numerous career growth opportunities
- Interacting with volatile/aggressive clients that may suffer from mental health conditions
- Making reasonable decisions during times of volatility and stress
- Coping with exposure to stressful situations
- Managing your daily schedule while meeting deadlines
- Ensuring laws, ordinances, and Department policies and procedures are followed
- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
- Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
- Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
- Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
- Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
- Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
- Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, Corrections, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other closely related field
- Experience working in the field of Probation, Parole, a correctional institution or another branch of law enforcement
- Experience working with emotionally traumatized individuals
- Experience teaching and speaking in a group setting
- Experience applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for modifying behavior through individual/group counseling
- Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
- Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) - Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates that possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the Board of State and Community Corrections: Selection Examination for the Adult Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Probation Officer Classifications for Local Corrections - Multiple Choice Assessment. The assessment is designed to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include, but are not limited to written communication (spelling & grammar), reading comprehension (identifying a difference & understanding passages), applying rules (logic sequences, appropriate placement, level of priority, forms, & scenarios). and basic math (addition & subtraction). For more information, please visit