Deputy Probation Officer I

The Position

***Application Deadline for November 2024 Testing: October 22, 2024 at 11:59pm***

***Contra Costa County is not currently accepting new applications for the Deputy Probation Officer I classification for the remainder of 2024. If you recently applied (after October 22, 2024), updates will be communicated when the Probation Department identifies testing schedule for 2025***

The Contra Costa County Probation Department is seeking qualified individuals to fill vacancies for the position of Deputy Probation Officer I. Deputy Probation Officer I is an entry-level position in the probation series. Incumbents may be assigned either to the adult or juvenile division and perform departmental functions such as intake, investigation, supervision, placement, specialized services, or court support. Close supervision and training are provided to incumbents in this class.

Deputies are expected to perform a full range of probation duties including supervising a caseload of juvenile and/or adult offenders, counseling clients, investigating complex cases, writing pre-sentence/dispositional reports, and performing related work as required.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a variety of individuals; apply sound judgment and determine the truth of statements. In addition, the candidate will have knowledge of the principles of adult and juvenile probation, social casework, have an understanding of the court procedures; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances affecting adult and juvenile probation work, principles and findings of applied psychology, and interviewing and counseling techniques.

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
• Is ethical, possesses integrity, and values fairness and excellence
• Has the ability to maintain consistent and regular attendance
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, can work independently and as a team
• Can work closely with police officers, courts, community-based organizations, parents, and guardians
• Can be a positive role model displaying empathy
• Is well organized, can prioritize workload, and meet Court and Departmental deadlines.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conducting investigations of adults and/or juveniles
• Analyzing facts gathered through investigations
• Providing the court with written evaluations and recommendations
• Appearing in court to represent the department
• Supervising a caseload of juveniles and/or adults placed on probation by the court to ensure the conditions of probation are met
• Conducting offender home, office, school, and work visits
• Counseling offenders and their families
• Enforcing court directives
• Encouraging offenders to participate in treatment program(s) and monitor participation
• Using a computer to access information, prepare reports, memos, and correspondence, complete forms, maintain records/statistics and communicate via e-mail
• Responding to inquiries and requests from victims of crime and submitting restitution reports to the court

A few reasons you might love this job:

• The workplace is professional, nurturing, and supportive
• You will make the community a safer place
• You make a positive impact in the lives of Probation clients whom you work with
• Competitive salary and benefits, with training provided
• Numerous career growth opportunities

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Interacting with volatile/aggressive clients that may suffer from mental health conditions
• Making reasonable decisions during times of volatility and stress
• Coping with exposure to stressful situations
• Managing your daily schedule while meeting deadlines
• Ensuring laws, ordinances, and Department policies and procedures are followed

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

To read the complete job description, please visit: CCC Job Descriptions | DPO I

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of 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: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Age: Must be at least 21 years of age.

Physical Requirements: Ability to meet such health standards as prescribed by the County Medical Consultant. This will include a physical agility test and/or a functional capacity evaluation pursuant to Government Code section 1031.

Background: Successful completion of a thorough background investigation, including psychological testing, as specified in Section 1031 of the California Government Code, and shall not have been convicted of a felony 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.

Other Requirements: Appointees to this class must successfully complete the Probation Officer Basic Course of Instruction required under Section 6035 of the California Penal Code within one year from date of hire, as well as Peace Officer training pursuant to section 832 of the Penal Code within one (1) year from date of hire, or if the appointee had previously completed these courses they may provide a certificate of completion from a certified program that fulfills standards established by the Correction Standard Authority and Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST).

Arming: Some assignments within the Probation Department require the willingness and capability to be armed with a firearm. Authorization to carry a firearm while on duty requires a psychological examination confirming fitness to be armed and the successful completion of a firearm training course.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Corrections, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other closely related field
• Experience working in the field of Probation, Parole, a correctional institution or another branch of law enforcement
• Experience working with emotionally traumatized individuals
• Experience teaching and speaking in a group setting
• Experience applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for modifying behavior through individual/group counseling

Selection Process

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.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 http://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/COB.pdf (Download PDF reader) . (Weight 100%)
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Chris Miller at chris.miller@hrd.cccounty.us . For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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