Assistant Probation Officer

Probation Officer

Under supervision, learns to apply the principles and techniques of probation work; supervises and counsels individuals detained in, committed to, or sheltered in one of several County juvenile institutions; supervises minors assigned to Work Project; and provides close supervision of minors placed on home supervision.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents
• The growth, development, needs and problems of minors
• Symptoms of behavior disorders
• Group dynamics
• Applicable laws, rules, codes, standards and regulations governing care and treatment of juveniles in juvenile hall, camps, ranches or schools
• Principles of investigation and laws governing search, seizure and preservation of evidence
• Counseling techniques
• Basic housekeeping techniques
• Hygienic standards
• Motivational techniques
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Self-defense techniques
• Arrest procedures
• Appropriate use of force and security techniques
• Rights and liabilities of peace officers
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Employment Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university, preferably with a degree in criminal justice, social or another behavioral science. Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by experience in full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid law enforcement or correctional work in a probation or parole agency, or correctional institution on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units. Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice. Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

General Qualifications:

Criminal History and Background Checks: Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, and pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment. Pursuant to Sacramento County Civil Service Rules, candidates found to have been convicted of a felony will be disqualified. License Requirement: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, shall be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Compliance with Government Code: In accordance with California Government Code, section 1031, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: a. Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Any permanent resident alien shall be disqualified from holding a position if his or her application for citizenship is denied. b. Be at least 21 years of age. c. Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. In addition, a classifiable set of fingerprints shall be furnished to the Department of Justice and to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. d. Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Certification Requirement: Satisfactory completion of required P.O.S.T. training for Probation Officers as specified in Section 832 of the Penal Code must be completed within one year after appointment as an Assistant Probation Officer. In addition, all appointees shall also be required to complete any other P.O.S.T. or other training required by law or by the department. Physical Requirements: Positions in this class require the incumbents to be able to:

• Frequently stand, walk, run, stoop, bend and climb stairs.
• Lift individuals, which requires strength, coordination, endurance, and agility.

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions: Positions in this class require the incumbents to:

• Work irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Occasionally have contact with hostile individuals.
• Be subjected to physical and verbal abuse while restraining individuals.

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.