Probation Aide

Probation Aide

Under direct supervision, assists probation department staff by performing a variety of routine casework support which may include basic investigations and assisting with monitoring a limited range of juvenile and adult probation cases; and performs related duties as assigned.

This is an entry-level, specialized paraprofessional classification which is not classified as a peace officer. Incumbents perform a variety of routine support duties for probation staff. Incumbents create, gather, and distribute documents, files, and records, and may also conduct interviews to collect standard information and/or provide routine information and instructions to clients and families.

The Probation Aide is distinguished from the Deputy Probation Officer series in that the Probation Aide performs a more limited range of probation caseload monitoring, as well as provides support for Deputy Probation Officers. The Deputy Probation Officers perform the full range of professional peace officer duties and the full scope of cases.

Receives direct supervision from an assigned Senior Deputy Probation Officers, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, or the Chief Probation Officer. Exercises no supervision over staff.

Examples of essential duties include:

• Assists Deputy Probation Officers with performing caseload management activities, including reviewing cases, scheduling appointments, preparing information contracts, and entering progress notes in case files.
• Performs preliminary investigative work and data gathering by contacting law enforcement and other agencies for necessary information.
• Locates victims and gathers information regarding restitution.
• Conducts initial interviews, schedules appointments, and makes routine investigations of probationer's background, including family history, education, and employment.
• Runs computer criminal investigation reports and DMV record checks of clients.
• Obtains fingerprints.
• Schedules and conducts program orientation for probationers.
• Explains probation programs and related rules and regulations.
• Assists probationers with completion of forms.
• Recommends counseling programs.
• Prepares and maintains case records.
• Collects and compiles data and prepares brief reports.
• Contacts probationers by telephone and home visits; locates probationers; discusses the failure to meet probation requirements.
• Assists in the preparation of routine violation of probation reports and orders to show cause regarding failure to pay court ordered fines, fees, and restitution.
• Obtains urine samples and maintains drug testing supplies.
• Preserves the chain of evidence.
• Assists with the transportation of juvenile and adult probationers to and from the court, as well as to out of County placements.
• Performs general office support duties, fieldwork, and administrative support assignments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Knowledge of basic interviewing techniques, general goals and purposes of the Probation Department, adult and juvenile probation programs, and the criminal justice system.
• Basic psychology of human behavior of juveniles and adults, basic principles of criminology, juvenile delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse.
• Recordkeeping principles and practices, basic principles affecting human behavior, basic causes of delinquency and crime, and basic interviewing and case management principles and techniques.
• Customer service principles and techniques, written and oral communications skills, proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation, principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
• Ability to learn the basic principles of probation case monitoring, learn and apply the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to probation work, learn appropriate interviewing techniques.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and explain the rules and regulations related to probation programs and services, locate, identify, and correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Ability to make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs, exercise sound judgment when dealing with probationers within established procedures and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Ability to think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations, evaluate situations and respond appropriately.
• Ability to prepare clear, comprehensive reports, maintain accurate records and files.
• Ability to meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance, and agility, effectively, tactfully, and courteously represent the probation department with the public and other agencies.
• Ability to regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines, communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks, establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certification: Completion of P.C. 832 Training must be achieved within one (1) year of initial employment.

Education and Experience: One (1) year of full-time clerical or public service experience. Exposure to and experience with court terminology and procedures is highly desirable. Previous experience working with juveniles and adults, which included substantial public contact, is highly desirable. Completion of sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with coursework in social welfare, sociology, criminology, or a closely related field is highly desirable. Additional directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.