Probation Corrections Officer I/II

Probation Corrections Officer I

* This recruitment may close at any time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.*

The Probation Corrections Officer I is the entry-level Peace Officer position responsible for the care and custody of youth detained in Juvenile Hall, Juvenile Commitment Facility, or participating in various alternative-to-custody programs. Advancement to the Probation Corrections Officer II level will be based upon satisfactory or better performance after completing one (1) year of employment. Individuals in this classification may be assigned to work in the Juvenile Hall, Juvenile Commitment Facility, or other juvenile supervision programs. Juvenile Hall and the Juvenile Commitment Facility are locked custodial facilities operating on a 24-hour basis. Individuals selected for the position of Probation Corrections Officer must be willing and available to work any shift, on a rotation basis, as well as weekends and holidays. This position is also subject to overtime, standby, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Additional compensation of 3% will be paid to incumbents upon completion of Juvenile Correctional Officer Core training
• Additional compensation of $1.00 per hour will be paid to eligible certified bilingual incumbents

The County of Stanislaus provides a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for regular full-time County employees including:

• Excellent retirement benefits (2.7% at approximately age 57 formula)
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic term life insurance plans
• 2 weeks annual vacation upon entering County service
• 16 additional vacation hours annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually
• 12 paid holidays annually
• Optional participation in Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account programs
• Optional Supplemental Life & AD&D insurance plans
• Employee Assistance

Program Details available upon request

Typical tasks include:

• Comply with all state and federal regulations required of youth correctional facilities;
• Provide direct assistance and supervision of detained youth during recreation, study, and work activities;
• Instruct youth in personal hygiene, clothing care, toilet and table habits;
• Assist staff in serving meals;
• Issue equipment and supplies as needed;
• Counsel and advise youth utilizing behavior modification techniques as well as individual and group counseling and/or communication techniques;
• Transport youth to and from Juvenile Detention facilities or other custody facilities;
• Enforce department procedures to achieve institutional safety and security, enforce discipline and order, and maintain sanitation standards;
• Oversee visitation procedures, inspect all items brought into the custodial facilities, and monitor all incoming and outgoing mail of confined youth;
• Act promptly and efficiently in emergency situations, including restraining and handcuffing youth;
• Use O.C. (pepper) spray in accordance with departmental policies and procedures;
• Observe youth activities, document their behavior, prepare incident reports and compose progress reports;
• Book incoming youth, conduct searches, completes room assignments and observation records; and

Assist in training of subordinate staff members as necessary.

Minimum qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities, education/experience) include:

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of supervising group activities;
• Causes of juvenile delinquency and the principles and methods of dealing with delinquent and emotionally disturbed juveniles; and
• Techniques for establishing effective verbal communication.

Skills/abilities include:

• Supervise the daily program activities of youth;
• Gain youths' confidence and respect;
• Effectively enforce rules and regulations; accurately interpret policies;
• Remain calm and exercise good judgment in controlling emergency situations and behavioral disturbances;
• Write clear and concise reports;
• Supply support and direction to youth on an individual and group basis;
• Comprehend and follow written and oral instructions;
• Deal fairly and effectively with youth;
• Drive a County vehicle as necessary to transport youth;
• Utilize departmental training to appropriately respond to combative youth, including controlling a resisting youth or utilizing O.C. (pepper) spray as necessary;
• Successfully complete the Juvenile Correctional Officer Core training course within the first 12 months of appointment as prescribed by the California State Corrections and Standards Authority.

Education/experience requirements include:

• High School Graduation or pass the General Education Development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• The County requires you be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.

Desirable qualifications include:

• Six (6) months experience working with adolescents in a supervisory role; OR
• Six (6) months experience working in a detention facility, jail, or prison; OR
• Completion of 30 units of relevant college coursework in one of the following fields: Criminology, Administration of Justice, Law Enforcement, Sociology, Psychology or other related fields of study.

Application procedures/final filing date:

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

Examination process:

• Application Review and Screening – Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Orientation – Attendance is mandatory to continue in the recruitment process.
• Written Examination – Samples of the written examination can be found by searching "Probation Officer Examination" on the Internet.
• Oral Examination – A ranking oral examination. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.
• Polygraph Examination – A pre-employment exam to be completed prior to the background investigation.
• Personal History Statement and Background Investigation – Thorough Peace Officer background investigation.
• Conditional Offer Examination – The pre-employment exams include drug testing, physical examination, fingerprint clearance and a psychological examination.
• Selection Interview – Selection Interview with the Chief Probation Officer.

Unsatisfactory results in any aspect of the foregoing, including background investigation findings, may result in removal from the eligibility list.