Empower Communities: Join us as a Deputy Probation Officer!
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. If your aspiration is to play a role in securing your community's safety, this profession is the ideal choice for you!
The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:
- Understanding of adult supervision, familiarity with correctional facility policies and procedures.
- Ability to adapt to evolving responsibilities and challenges.
- Demonstrate unwavering honesty, integrity and credibility.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships by demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and respect in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- A strong communicator with the ability to conduct structured and effective interviews, gather relevant information, and build rapport with individuals or groups.
- Excellent time management, organization and attention to detail skills.
- Knowledge of general or community resources available to support the needs to adults, juveniles and their families.
- Ability to maintain order, establish routines, and manage group dynamics effectively.
- Possess excellent observation and attention to detail skills.
- Ability to assess and respond appropriately to individual needs and behaviors.
- Demonstrates empathy by understanding and considering the emotions, needs, and perspectives of others in communication.
- Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written reports to effectively communicate critical information.
- Is a strong collaborator with the ability to effectively work with others in a group or team to achieve shared goals, solve problems, and complete tasks, fostering a harmonious and productive team environment.
- Ability to safely manage volatile situations and have a basic understanding of crisis intervention.
- Knowledge of security protocols, safety regulations, and contraband identification.
- Ability to maintain a secure environment while respecting individual rights and is able to communicate rules clearly.
- Knowledge of record-keeping procedures, confidentiality requirements and ability to maintain thorough and confidential records.
- Ability to inspire and guide individuals by setting a positive example and exhibits exceptional professional conduct and ethical behavior.
- Commitment to continual performance improvement through continuous training.
- Display complete honesty during the background investigation process, and beyond.
Additionally, applicants must meet the following education and experience requirements to qualify:
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.
Experience:
Deputy Probation Officer I ($43.07/hr-$53.84/hr) - One year of experience in a human services capacity involving communicating and interacting with a diverse population either on an individual or group basis for the purpose of interviewing, counseling or rehabilitating, such as in the role of an institutional counselor, peace officer, or mental health or social services professional.
Deputy Probation Officer II ($48.09/hr-$60.07/hr) - Two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of an entry level Deputy Probation Officer I in San Mateo County.
There are currently various vacancies in the Probation department. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Deputy Probation Officer I or Deputy Probation Officer II level.
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. Deputy Probation Officers I must complete 200 hours of core probation officer training coursework within one year of appointment.
Important Information About The Examination Process
Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Deputy Probation Officer I/II position. If you have taken the BSCC exam within the last six months at another agency and you would like to utilize that T-score, please attach your exam results to the application. If your exam date is over six months from time of application, you must retake the BSCC to be considered for the Deputy Probation Officer I/II position.
To learn more about preparing for the written exam, please review the Candidate Orientation Booklet here: Candidate Orientation Booklet (Download PDF reader)
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Interview adults or juveniles, their families, and interested individuals to determine the nature of their marital, domestic, employment, financial, environmental or other difficulties.
- Formulate plans of probation and present recommendations to supervisors and the court.
- Recommend and set up payment schedules for restitution and fines; evaluate and make recommendations on restitution claims submitted by victims and on 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 on probationers.
- Supervise the welfare and conduct of adults on probation and of juveniles who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court and assist them to comply with court orders.
- Identify treatment, educational, employment or other programs needed by the probationer; make referrals and follow up to verify and evaluate services received.
- Take necessary legal steps to report non-compliance of probationer with court orders.
- Initiate court process when probationer violates probation terms.
- Consult with professionals in the fields of law enforcement, medicine, religion, law and mental health.
- Cooperate with representatives from state and local welfare, school, and law enforcement agencies.
- Keep informed of departmental policies and procedures.
- Maintain records and prepare reports.
- Participate in mandatory training programs.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education Requirement:
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.
Experience Requirement:
Deputy Probation Officer I ($ 43.07 / hr-$ 53.84 /hr) - One year of experience in a human services capacity involving communicating and interacting with a diverse population either on an individual or group basis for the purpose of interviewing, counseling or rehabilitating, such as in the role of an institutional counselor, peace officer, or mental health or social services professional.
Deputy Probation Officer II ($ 48.09 /hr-$ 60.07 /hr) - Two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of an entry level Deputy Probation Officer I in San Mateo County.
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.
- Deputy Probation Officers I must complete 200 hours of core probation officer training coursework within one year of appointment.
- Must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.
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
