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Jul 30, 2024

Assistant Probation Officer

Full time Government Law Enforcement

Job Description

Definition

Under supervision, learns to apply the principles and techniques of probation work; supervises and counsels individuals detained in, committed to, or sheltered in one of several County juvenile institutions; supervises minors assigned to Work Project; and provides close supervision of minors placed on home supervision.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry level class in the Probation Officer class series.  Incumbents in this class receive training and work experience in professional level case work and counseling to develop the skills necessary to provide care and control of juveniles in an institutional setting or under constructive custody of the juvenile court, preparatory to advancement to the journey level of the Probation Officer series.  This class differs from the next higher class of Deputy Probation Officer in that incumbents in the latter class perform at the journey level in a variety of assignments involving adult and juvenile offenders.

Examples of Duties, Knowledge, and Abilities

The following duties are typical of those performed by incumbents in this class. Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.
 
Home Supervision Assignments:
 

•   Supervises the conduct and welfare of juveniles under jurisdiction of the probation officer or the Juvenile Court; interviews juvenile and parent, and explains the nature and conditions of release; arranges for referral to other agencies as required; and makes follow-up contacts with various legal representatives, social service, school and other law enforcement agencies.
•   Supervises juveniles to effect compliance with conditions of release and evaluates adjustments to home, school and community.
•   Confers with supervisor regarding juveniles' progress and need for modification or revocation of home supervision status.
•   Prepares case reports relating to disposition and progress of juvenile with recommendation for continuation, modification or termination of status.
•   Maintains case folders, record of contacts and other records relating to cases.
•   Makes arrests in those cases in which the juveniles violate the conditions of Home Supervision, as imposed by the Juvenile Court.

 
Institutional Assignments:
 

•   Reviews files, unit logs, medication requirements and restriction sheets for background data and treatment guidelines.
•   Provides care, custody and control of a group of juvenile offenders detained in a Probation Department facility.
•   Monitors group and individual activities through supervision of work and play, and records significant observations of these and other group interactions.
•   Counsels juveniles individually and in groups regarding behavior.
•   Enforces order and the disciplinary policies and procedures of the institution.
•   Writes behavioral and progress reports and other significant data on juveniles for department and court information.
•   Assists in planning, organizing, and conducting recreational and leisure time programs.
•   Teaches games and work skills.
•   Supervises personal hygiene, cleanliness and housekeeping habits.
•   Maintains security of the institution.
•   Conducts body and room searches for contraband.
•   Inspects equipment and facilities for damage and safety.
•   Transports and escorts juveniles under custody conditions.
•   Remains alert to potential problems and unusual behavior of juveniles.
•   Responds to emergencies, including escapes and attempted escapes, and takes action to control disturbances and behavior problems of juveniles.
•   Communicates juveniles' activities and observations to appropriate supervisors.


EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
 
Knowledge Of:

•   Principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents
•   The growth, development, needs and problems of minors
•   Symptoms of behavior disorders
•   Group dynamics
•   Applicable laws, rules, codes, standards and regulations governing care and treatment of juveniles in juvenile hall, camps, ranches or schools 
•   Principles of investigation and laws governing search, seizure and preservation of evidence 
•   Counseling techniques 
•   Basic housekeeping techniques 
•   Hygienic standards 
•   Motivational techniques 
•   Crisis intervention techniques 
•   Self-defense techniques 
•   Arrest procedures
•   Appropriate use of force and security techniques 
•   Rights and liabilities of peace officers
•   Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
•   English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

 
Ability To:

•   Secure the respect and confidence of adolescents 
•   Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior 
•   Work well as a member of a team 
•   Exercise good judgment and act calmly in emergency situations
•   Recognize subtle changes in behavior
•   Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
•   Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
•   Effectively organize and prioritize work assignments
•   Prepare concise and clear reports
•   Maintain records
•   Communicate with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds
•   Establish and maintain effective working relationships 

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university, preferably with a degree in criminal justice, social or another behavioral science.  
 
Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by experience in full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid law enforcement or correctional work in a probation or parole agency, or correctional institution on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units.
 
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
 
Criminal History and Background Checks:
Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, and pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment. Pursuant to Sacramento County Civil Service Rules, candidates found to have been convicted of a felony will be disqualified.
 
License Requirement:
A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, shall be required at the time of appointment.  Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.  Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
 
Compliance with Government Code:   
In accordance with California Government Code, section 1031, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards:
 
    a.    Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.  Any permanent resident alien shall be disqualified from holding a position if his or her application for citizenship is denied.
    b.    Be at least 18 years of age.
    c.     Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.   In addition, a classifiable set of fingerprints shall be furnished to the Department of Justice and to the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
    d.    Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. 
 
Certification Requirement:
Satisfactory completion of required P.O.S.T. training for Probation Officers as specified in Section 832 of the Penal Code must be completed within one year after appointment as an Assistant Probation Officer.  In addition, all appointees shall also be required to complete any other P.O.S.T. or other training required by law or by the department.
 
Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class require the incumbents to be able to:

  • Frequently stand, walk, run, stoop, bend and climb stairs.
  • Lift individuals, which requires strength, coordination, endurance, and agility.

 
Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
 
Working Conditions:
Positions in this class require the incumbents to:

  • Work irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Occasionally have contact with hostile individuals.
  • Be subjected to physical and verbal abuse while restraining individuals.

 

Probationary Period and Class History Information

Twelve (12) months.

Sacramento County Probation Department
About Sacramento County Probation Department

The Sacramento County Probation Department provides clients with the assessment, treatment, supervision and support necessary to prevent re-offending, resulting in a safer community. Our highly skilled, multi-disciplinary workforce uses innovative strategies to support positive change.

The Sacramento County Probation Department is responsible for the background investigation of offenders and the preparation of social history reports for the Sacramento County Superior Courts.  The Probation Department also operates and maintains the County's juvenile hall: The Youth Detention Facility; and several other facilities and programs, including Adult Day Reporting Centers, and various collaborative courts. 

The Department teams with various law enforcement agencies, schools, community-based organizations and the citizens of Sacramento County to form productive partnerships with an underlying goal of public safety.

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