Deputy Probation Officer I

Probation Officer

Under close supervision, to provide professional casework services to adult and/or juvenile probation clients, their families, and victims of crimes; to conduct investigations, to write reports for the courts, and supervise probation clients identifying risks and needs in an effort to change behavior to reduce recidivism; and to carry out special assignments.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Interviews clients and relevant parties;
• Conducts investigations and reports on findings;
• Makes or facilitates necessary arrests of clients who are involved in criminal activities or are in violation of probation/supervision;
• Prepares court reports and makes recommendations on the disposition of cases, appears in court and testifies;
• Conducts warrant enforcement and field visits to monitor compliance with court orders and probation/supervision conditions and may participate in inter-agency law enforcement operations;
• Explains court orders and/or supervision conditions to clients and relevant parties;
• Conducts searches according to the conditions of probation/supervision and/or court orders;
• Collects specimens for chemical analysis;
• Supervises and maintains contact with clients including, but not limited to field visits, home or residential visits, office visits, telephone, and correspondences to monitor compliance and progress;
• Uses Global Positioning System (GPS) and Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) technology to monitor probation clients;
• Collaborates and/or consults with justice system partners, community based organizations, advocacy groups, and other relevant parties;
• Confers with supervisors and other staff on casework techniques and specific case situations;
• Prepares and maintains case records and reports;
• May be assigned to general or specialized units;
• May use and maintain specialized equipment;
• May carry a firearm, if assigned to an armed optional position;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required *;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note : The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelor's degree preferably with specialization in Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, Penology, or closely related field.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• Peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States (Govt. Code 1031).
• Applicants with a felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in this state will be disqualified.
• Must pass a background investigation, firearms clearance, polygraph, physical examination and psychological evaluation (candidates who are currently employed with County of Santa Clara Probation department as a Group Counselor, Probation Counselor or Probation Assistant are exempt from this requirement, unless moving to an armed position).
• Must pass the training requirements prescribed by the Standards and Training for Corrections (Probation Officer Core) within one (1) year of appointment or within at least two (2) scheduled cycles of State testing.
• Must pass the training requirements prescribed by California Penal Code 832 within one (1) year of appointment.
• Participate in a minimum of forty (40) hours of training per year, including those prescribed by the Standards and Training for Corrections and/or Peace Officer Standards Training.
• Some positions may require specialized training including, but not limited to, defensive tactics, handcuffing, chemical agents, baton and firearms.
• Possession of current CPR/First Aid certificate upon appointment and maintain certification.
• * As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of :

• Theory and concepts of probation work and the basic components of the criminal justice system;
• Basic case management concepts, interviewing techniques, evidence based practices, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavior theory;
• Basic principles of cognitive, social, physiological, and psychological development;
• Time management and organizational skills;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to :

• Ensure that all people are treated equal in rights and dignity regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, language, physical or mental disability;
• Treat all individuals with dignity, find common ground, and be open minded;
• Exercise moral responsibilities and obligations, and be mindful of one's own implicit bias(es);
• Prepare and present effective written and oral reports;
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships at all levels, including clients, colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
• Have tolerance and compassion, show good judgment, and maintain composure in high stress and/or emotionally charged situations;
• Learn and utilize self-defense tactics and qualify and requalify for chemical agent use.

Travel to alternate locations in the course of work; May be required to work unusual hours, possibly over extended periods of time, throughout the county; May be required to work overtime when assigned, which may include nighttime hours and weekends; The physical abilities required must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.