Deputy Probation Officer I

Deputy Probation Officer I

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. Aside from our base salary range, an employee within this position will also be eligible for the following:

• A general salary increases (GSI) of 3.5% effective July 5, 2026.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an Associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a Bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a Graduate degree.
• Annual Leave - A candidate selected for this position will earn 112 hours of Annual Leave per year, increasing to 152 hours after 5 years of service.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 2.5% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans - You are offered a flexible credit allowance of up to $15,782 annually for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined pension plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems such as CalPERS.
• Bilingual Incentive - Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.38 per hour (Level II), or $2.81 per hour (Level III).
• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Uniform Allowance - A uniform allowance of $1,050 on November 1st of each year.
• Textbook and Tuition - Up to a maximum of $2,000 per fiscal year in accordance with the memorandum of agreement.

Deputy Probation Officer I (DPO I) is a professional entry-level sworn peace officer. Under general supervision, DPO Is perform duties related to the care, custody, and control activities within a detention facility. DPO Is utilize evidence-based intervention strategies and programs and supervise youth in custody focusing on their risks and needs in an effort to change behavior and reduce recidivism. DPO Is assume role of shift lead worker as needed and are responsible for program component(s) and/or special projects. Positions in this class are only found in the Probation Agency. Applicants must be willing and able to work any shift assignment, including rotating shifts, nights, holidays, weekends, and overtime as required.

PAYROLL TITLE: Deputy Probation Officer I

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

OPENING DATE: April 30, 2026

CLOSING DATE: July 10, 2026

Examples Of Duties

DPO I's work at a 24-hour custodial facility supervising youth in custody. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises the conduct and behavior of youth in an institutional setting;
• Plans, organizes, and directs activities for youth in custody;
• Maintains effective safety and security procedures within the facilities at all times;
• Enforces facility rules, regulations, and policies;
• Works effectively and takes appropriate actions in emergency or crisis situations;
• De-escalates violent behavior with verbal skills, restrains and/or subdues hostile and/or violent youth utilizing pepper spray, physical force, and/or restraints;
• Searches for weapons and other contraband;
• Prepares various reports, including incident reports, observation reports and case plans regarding youth's attitude, behavior, appearance, interest, skills, progress, and needs;
• Conducts strip or pat searches and collects and tests specimens when required;
• Coordinates the transportation of youth for activities which require them to leave the facility;
• Administers first aid when required, which may include administering Naloxone;
• Provides orientation to new youth;
• Supervises consumption of medication as directed by professional medical personnel;
• May be responsible for training newer and/or reassigned officers;
• Successfully complete all officer safety training classes;
• Maintains proficiency in Agency approved tactics such as control/restraint methods, the use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) pepper spray, Conducted Energy Weapon (TASER) mechanical restraints, and blocking and defensive striking techniques;
• Manages and controls movement within the facility;
• Responsible for the admission and booking process of youth;
• Supports and assists in the delivery of individualized case plans to youth which include understanding their assessed needs and working with them, their family, and collaborative partners to address those needs;
• Assists in directing, training and performing projects of limited scope;
• Collaborates and interacts with contracted government agencies, community-based organizations, volunteers, and others;
• Logs and makes entries into case management system, data collection, and maintenance of required records and reports;
• Assumes responsibility as shift leader operating routine processes in the absence of the facility Senior Deputy Probation Officer (Sr. DPO);
• May act as a witness in court;
• Performs other duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and ensure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: In addition to all the foregoing, no specific experience or training beyond that set forth immediately below is required; however, applicants must demonstrate an aptitude and willingness to perform those duties set forth in the section entitled "Examples of Duties" above.

• Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment;
• Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent;
• Must not be convicted of a felony.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: License – Must possess and maintain a valid class C California driver license. DESIRED Completion of the PC832 (Arrest, Search and Seizure) training, First Aid, and CPR training.

Supplemental Information: Deputy Probation Officer Is work at a 24-hour facility, supervising youth in custody. Work typically is performed either in the community, correctional facilities, or an office environment. Incumbents may encounter hostile reactions from others in the course of performing the job and may be required to restrain rebellious and violent individuals. Incumbents are required to work overtime and rotating shifts (including nights, weekends, and holidays) and flexible schedules to accommodate training and other special needs of the Agency. As dictated by operational needs, incumbents will be reassigned to other schedules, facilities, and programs, regardless of their initial and/or desired assignments.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION & EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION : Physical and Psychological Requirements - Prior to final appointment, applicants must submit to physical and psychological examinations provided by the County to determine their ability to meet Peace Officer standards. The physical examination will determine whether the applicant has the dexterity, strength, endurance and physical ability to restrain assaultive, combative, or violent offenders. The psychological examination will include the administration of psychological tests which include an assessment of psychological factors and an interview with a County designated psychologist.

Background Investigation - Applicants must be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation which involves contacting references and fingerprinting for search and disclosure of a criminal record. As part of this investigation, applicants may be subject to a polygraph examination and/or a voice stress analysis. Training – DPO I will be required to attend and successfully complete approximately 168 hours of State-mandated training during the first year, per the California Board of State and Community Corrections. All DPOs are required to attend 24-40 hours of approved training each year thereafter. A portion of the first-year training will include physical conditioning to meet the physical standards. Additionally, DPO Is are required to successfully complete all required officer safety training classes, PC832 (Arrest, Search and Seizure) and Public Safety-First Aid with Naloxone. Another medical exam may be required if the PC832 course is not completed at least 6 months from the date of the medical exam that was completed prior to appointment to the position. Maintain proficiency in Agency approved tactics such as control