Juvenile Institution Officer I

The Position

Bargaining Unit: DSA – Probation Unit of CCC. The Probation Department is currently accepting new applications for the Juvenile Institution Officer I classification on a continuous basis. Applications for the April 2026 BSCC examination dates must have been submitted by March 15th, 2026. All applications submitted after March 15th, 2026 will be considered for future testing cycles - dates have not yet been determined by the Probation Department. The Contra Costa County Probation Department is seeking qualified individuals to fill vacancies for the position of Juvenile Institution Officer I. Juvenile Institution Officers may work at Juvenile Hall in Martinez. Juvenile Institution Officers play an important role in the safety, security, and guidance of youths who are in custody and/or under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Promotional Opportunities: Juvenile Institution Officer I may promote to Juvenile Institution Officer II (salary range $7,138.28-$9,110.45). Other promotional opportunities for qualified employees may also exist. In addition to offering opportunities for professional growth, the County provides permanent employees with an outstanding benefits package. 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;
• can be a positive role model and display empathy;
• is ethical, possesses integrity and values fairness and excellence;
• has the ability to maintain consistent and regular attendance;
• demonstrates strong interpersonal skills;
• will ensure safety and security; and
• can work closely with police officers, courts, parents and guardians.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• The direction and supervision of the daily activities of detained youth – e.g., housekeeping, school, yard work, meals, showering, and recreational activities
• Providing situational counseling according to individual and group needs
• Explaining and participating in the enforcement of facility rules and regulations
• Providing transportation of youth within, to, and from facilities
• Supervising vocational work crews
• Documenting information, preparing written reports, and submitting evaluations
• Communicating with professionals and the parents / caregivers of youth
• Conducting searches of youth and facilities

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You make a difference in the lives of youth
• The workplace is professional, nurturing and supportive
• There are opportunities for a flexible work schedule
• Competitive salary and benefits, with training provided
• Numerous career growth opportunities

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Interacting with volatile / aggressive youth
• Managing daily schedule of youth while ensuring policies and procedures are upheld in a facility that operates 24/7
• Making reasonable decisions during times of volatility and stress
• Coping with exposure to stressful situations
• Having to physically intervene when youth are attempting to cause harm to others

Competencies Required:

• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process. Education: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university which included at least 12 semester units or 18 quarter units in behavioral science fields such as criminology, corrections, social work, psychology or sociology. Substitution for Behavioral Science Course Work: One year of full-time (or equivalent to 2080 hours) of experience working in a secure detention facility, Juvenile Camp and/or Ranch Program may be substituted for 6 semester units or 9 quarter units towards the behavioral science course work requirement. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Age Requirement: At least 21 years of age. Physical Requirement: Ability to meet such health standards as may be prescribed by the County Medical Consultant. This will include a physical agility test, as specified in Section 1031 of the California Government Code. Background: 1) Successful completion of a thorough background investigation and psychological evaluation, as specified in Section 1031 of the California Government Code; and 2) shall not have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile in this or any other state or in a federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in this state. Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in a correctional institution or a branch of law enforcement
• Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, Corrections, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other closely related field
• Experience working with emotionally traumatized youth
• Experience teaching youth in a school setting

Selection Process

1. 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.
2. 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 (Download PDF reader). (Weight 100%)
3. Departmental Interviews
4. Physical Requirements: Those candidates who successfully pass the written exam may be required to pass drug screening, a physical agility test and/or a functional capacity evaluation pursuant to California Government Code section to 1031 prior to progressing further in the hiring process.
5. Background Investigation: A Juvenile Institution Officer job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a thorough background investigation. This includes written and oral psychological screening as specified in Section 1031 of the California Government Code. The background investigation also includes a criminal record investigation. Individuals will not be hired for this position if they have been convicted of a felony, as a juvenile or adult, in any state or federal jurisdiction or if they have committed an offense in another state or federal jurisdiction that would have been a felony if committed in this state. In evaluating candidates for this position, the Probation Department will additionally consider areas such as illegal drug use, driving record, financial responsibility, previous employment, honesty, and general conduct.