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Are you an experienced Probation Officer?

The County of San Mateo Probation Department is seeking current officers for the position of Deputy Probation Officer - Lateral.

The San Mateo County Probation Department's role as a partner in the County's criminal justice system is to contribute to community safety through its law enforcement, court services, pretrial, supervision and treatment referral functions. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/probation.

About The Position

Each day, Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) have the opportunity to contribute to community safety by actively engaging with at-risk youth and adults. Our department is firmly dedicated to implementing the most effective evidence-based, equitable, and trauma-informed practices to uplift and empower the individuals under our supervision. DPOs work in close cooperation with the County's criminal justice system and partner with Community Based Organizations to offer guidance and support to the population we serve.

Deputy Probation Officer II is the journey level class of this series. Under direction, incumbents independently perform a variety of complex assignments primarily in the areas of intake, investigation, or supervision. This class is distinguished from Deputy Probation Officer III in that the latter has acquired greater work experience and technical competence and handles the exceptionally difficult cases requiring a high level of intensive probation casework. The III level may also mentor or train other staff in areas in which they possess expertise, provide lead direction or substitute for the supervisor on a short-term basis.

Successful candidates must have two years of full-time (2080 hours) experience working in a California County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer AND have successfully completed a California POST OR STC-certified P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course AND a STC-certified Probation Officer Core course to qualify.

IMPORTANT: Individuals who are not currently employed full-time as a Deputy Probation Officer but have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in a California County Probation Department should not have a separation date greater than six months from the date of application.

To qualify for this position, you must possess all of the following:

• Two years of full-time (2080 hours) experience working in a California County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.
• *Completion of a certified California POST or STC approved P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course.
• *Completion of a certified Probation Officer Core training course as prescribed by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).

*Course certificates or proof of completed course are outlined above MUST be attached to the application when submitted or else the application will not be considered.

As a Deputy Probation Officer, you will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Interview adults or juveniles, their families, and other relevant individuals to assess the nature of their marital, domestic, employment, financial, environmental, or other challenges.
• Formulate probation plans and present recommendations to supervisors and the court.
• Set up and recommend payment schedules for restitution and fines; evaluate restitution claims submitted by victims and assess the probationer's ability to pay.
• Explain procedures, rights, and responsibilities to probationers.
• Inform juveniles, adults, or their families of available community resources.
• Propose alternative probation plans as needed.
• Obtain releases for medical, psychiatric, or other necessary information about probationers.
• Supervise the welfare and conduct of adults on probation and juveniles under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court, assisting them in complying with court orders.
• Identify treatment, educational, employment, or other programs required by probationers; make referrals and follow up to verify and evaluate services received.
• Take necessary legal actions to report non-compliance with court orders.
• Initiate court processes when probationers violate probation terms.
• Consult with professionals in law enforcement, medicine, religion, law, and mental health.
• Collaborate with state and local welfare, school, and law enforcement agencies.
• Stay informed of departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Participate in mandatory training programs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience:

Two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of an entry level Deputy Probation Officer I in San Mateo County.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age on or before date of appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

About The County

Empower change as a Group Supervisor I/II: Join our team and make a positive impact!

The County of San Mateo Probation Department is seeking highly motivated applicants for Group Supervisor positions.

The County of San Mateo Probation Department's role as a partner in the County's criminal justice system is to contribute to community safety through its law enforcement, court services, pretrial, supervision and treatment referral functions. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/probation.

Group Supervisors (GS) will have the daily opportunity to work with the county’s most at-risk youth and their families. The department is committed to the best evidenced-based, equitable, and trauma-informed practices support and empower our youth. The GS staff ensure the safety and security for youth in custody at the County of San Mateo Youth Services Center and Margaret J Kemp Camp for girls located in the city of San Mateo. If you are motivated to help make positive changes in the lives of young people, then this career is for you!

The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• Display complete honesty during the background investigation process, and beyond.
• Demonstrate unwavering honesty, integrity and credibility.
• Understanding of youth behavior and development, familiarity with facility policies and procedures.
• Excellent time management, organization and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to maintain order, establish routines, and manage group dynamics effectively.
• Excellent observation skills.
• Engage with empathy and the ability to assess and respond appropriately to individual needs and behaviors.
• Ability to safely manage volatile situations.
• Have a basic understanding of crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of security protocols, safety regulations, and contraband identification.
• Attention to detail, adherence to procedures.
• Ability to maintain a secure environment while respecting individual rights and is able to communicate rules clearly.
• Address violations appropriately.
• Knowledge of record-keeping procedures, confidentiality requirements and ability to maintain thorough and confidential records.
• Ability to inspire and guide youth by setting a positive example and exhibits exceptional professional conduct and ethical behavior.
• Commitment to continual performance improvement through training and supervisor coaching.

Additionally, applicants must meet the following education requirements to qualify:

Group Supervisor I ($34.61/hr-$43.24/hr) - Completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university. An emphasis in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Group Supervisor II ($39.04/hr-$48.83/hr) - Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Selected candidates must be available to work flexible shifts, including graveyards, day shift, swing shift, weekends and holidays at any of the Probation Department locations. Selected candidates must also successfully pass a background investigation, including fingerprints, medical examination, psychological evaluation, a truth verification test and be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a Peace Officer. Felony and misdemeanors convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Group Supervisors hired into permanent positions must pass PC 832 peace officer training and complete a 160 hour STC training course within one year of appointment.

There are currently various vacancies in the Probation Department. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Group Supervisor I or Group Supervisor II level.

Examples Of Duties

Group Supervisors are responsible for:

• Supervising daily activities of youth in confinement.
• Observing and supervising unstable youth.
• Enforcing security and safety measures including searches of youth and their living quarters for contraband.
• May perform housekeeping tasks.
• Providing orientation for newly detained youth.
• Explaining and enforcing rules and regulations.
• Providing transportation for youth from the County's detention facilities to other facilities and medical offices.
• Supervising daily activities such as meals, showers, housekeeping, laundry, yard work, recreation, vocational work crews, and visitation.
• Providing individual and group counseling.
• Leading group discussions and facilitating rehabilitation programs.
• Maintaining daily records of observations, incidents and events.
• Logging information, writing reports and summaries of behavior and maintaining records and files.
• Physically restraining assaultive youth and de-escalating violent behavior.
• Maintaining a safe environment for the youth and staff.
• Being a positive role model and authority figure.
• Participate in staff conferences.

Qualifications

Group Supervisor I: Completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university. An emphasis in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Group Supervisor II: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age on or before date of appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.

A supplemental application questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard San Mateo County employment application. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.

The examination will consist of a written test (weight: 100%). All tests will be held in San Mateo County, California. Applicants must participate at their own expense. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time and place of the tests. Applicants must adhere to the dates listed below. Applicant requests for alternate test dates and times will not be granted. Applicants successful on the written test will have their name placed on the eligible list which will be used to fill anticipated vacancies.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:­

Final Filing Date: Continuous (must apply by 11/20/2024 at 11:59 PM to be considered for the first round written exam)

First Round Written Exam: Saturday, December 7, 2024 (must apply by 11/20/2024 at 11:59 PM to be considered for this exam date)

First Round of Departmental Interviews: Week of January 6, 2025

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous ba­­sis and selections may be made at any time within the process.