Job Details

Deputy Probation Officer

The Probation department is seeking self-motivated, dedicated professionals to fill the position of Deputy Probation Officer. In this role, you will be responsible for providing professional services to offenders involving the referral, supervision, counseling, and rehabilitation of individuals on probation.

Under supervision, the Deputy Probation Officer I/II class is a series responsible for conducting investigations for the Courts and the supervision of youths and adults on probation, post release community supervision, and mandatory supervision through the application of basic principles of evidence-based practices and case management services; and perform other related work as required.

Typical tasks and representative duties (not in order of importance):

• Conduct investigations of cases referred to the department by the courts, law enforcement, social services and other agencies;
• Supervise youth/adult offenders and work with their families, relatives and community service providers through field supervision and community based contacts;
• Arrange for services for youth/adult offenders who have identified needs in such areas as education, employment, housing, substance abuse, criminal thinking, mental illness, and medical care;
• Interact with youth/adult offenders to help them understand their problems and needs and make appropriate referrals based on the individual;
• Prepare written reports with recommendations to the Court and keep records;
• As needed, testify in court concerning the social history, motives and personality of the offender and level of compliance with the terms and conditions of probation;
• Conduct investigations when a probation violation is alleged, which includes interviewing, search and seizure and collection of evidence;
• Apprehend and arrest probationers who are suspected of involvement in criminal activity or violation of probation;
• Complete probation violation reports and crime reports when appropriate;
• Participate in various types of training activities;
• Provide general probation information to the public and professional agencies;
• Work cooperatively with other law enforcement, court and social services/treatment staff and may participate in multi-agency task force assignments

This is the entry-level class in the Deputy Probation Officer series. Incumbents work under close supervision while acquiring the knowledge and skills required of the journey level.

The ideal candidate will possess general knowledge of modern principles of adult and juvenile probation casework and related court procedures, principles and methods of investigation and supervision of probation cases, and knowledge of individual and group behaviors. Strong organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills are desired, as is the ability to motivate others. The willingness to utilize law enforcement equipment, make physical arrests, and work under stress and adverse conditions is desired. Also, we are seeking individuals with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with adult and youth offenders on probation.

Minimum qualifications include a combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree. Related work experience as a peace officer or another field involving the care, supervision, education, counseling, or leadership of adults or youths may be substituted for the required education.

A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Satisfactory completion of the Board of Correction, Standards and Training for Corrections, for Group and Counselor CORE Academy within one year of appointment. Must successfully complete the Laws and Arrest component of Penal Code 832 training within one year of appointment.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at ...@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Must be able to work a variety of shifts including irregular hours, weekends and holidays.

Peace Officer Requirements: Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031.

Personal History Statement - Peace Officer Form 2-251: All applicants that are invited to department interviews will be required to complete, sign, and return a Personal History Statement (PHS) directly to the Probation Department. The personal history statement form can be accessed at under the Background/Hiring section.

Medical Exam: All candidates will be required to take a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment medical examination will include a vision and hearing test, pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, and treadmill stress test.

Polygraph/Psychological Exam: The polygraph examination will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation. The psychological examination will include the administration of psychological tests, an assessment of psychological factors, and an interview with a County-designated Psychologist.

Background Check: To accept a position with the Probation Office, you must successfully complete a Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion:

• Any felony conviction
• Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
• Poor employment history
• Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
• Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
• Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
• Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
• Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
• Any crime committed against a child
• Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
• Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process

Issues that arise during the investigation process will be assessed, and judgement and discretion will be used to determine the employability of the candidate. Where there is evidence of a candidate's past use of controlled substances, many factors shall be used to determine the employability of the individual such as a pattern of use, kind of drug used, circumstances of the start of the drug use, treatment, behavior, and attitude since discontinuance, etc. Please note that a history of using controlled substances does not result in automatic disqualification from the selection process. Prior to disqualifying any candidate whose profile falls within the provisions of the policy, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to present any and all evidence of mitigating facts that the candidate feels should be considered by the hiring authority.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice: Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-###-#### for assistance or e-mail ...@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points: If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees.