County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, independently plans, contracts, directs, administers and implements Probation legislative, public information, training, research, employment, education, re-entry and community-based programs.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Probation Specialist positions are located in various divisions/units within the Probation Department. This is the full journey-level Probation class. Incumbents are typically subject-matter generalists who have demonstrated possession of the intellectual abilities, management tools, and personal qualifications to succeed in a variety of Probation-specific settings.

This classification requires knowledge of a variety of Probation programs and community resources, expertise in program design, evidence-based practices, national trends in correctional research, curriculum design and classroom delivery, public speaking, press, public and social media coordination, and group facilitation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Independently develops Probation program alternatives, funding sources, service delivery organizations and other elements for integration potential with programs, prepares written reports, advises management and makes recommendations.

2. Interprets and applies a variety of policies, rules and regulations; provides information which may require tact and judgment to employees and others.

3. Acts as the County liaison and provides coordination with community-based organizations and other service providers, County departments, state or other funding sources and community and business organizations, interacts with various planning councils or boards, answers questions and provides training and technical assistance as required.

4. Develops independent recommendations for assigned program areas that are aligned with the Department’s strategic plan.

5. Confers with management and provides technical advice on the potential impacts of new initiatives on such areas as organization, staffing, policy, training or operational processes, and to ensure smooth functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures. Performs budgeting and related work as required.

6. Prepares, or assists, in the preparation of a variety of management reports.

7. Represents the Probation Department in standing meetings with CBOs, local advisory committees, legislative, public information and training officers group and the Alameda County Correctional Training Officers group, and shares information with the appropriate staff.

In the Contracts, Procurement and Monitoring Unit:

1. Independently creates, designs, develops, negotiates, executes and monitors contracts for direct client service delivery programs where such services are provided by community-based organizations (CBOs), contract service providers and/or County staff in a wide variety of service areas.

2. Independently monitors and audits assigned programs, ensures compliance with contract provisions and funding source regulations, recommends and implements procedural and operational changes to maximize service delivery and revenue reimbursement.

In the Research Unit:

1. Continuously evaluates, monitors and conducts research and analyses on national correctional statistics and trends in Probation, prepares new and revised policies and procedures for Probation, analyzes research data and apply evidence based and best practices to Probation program designs, working independently and with external subject matter experts as necessary.

2. Performs research, compiles and analyzes information/data regarding a variety of administrative, management and organizational issues; develops or assists in developing recommendations and/or course of action.

3. Reviews all incoming research reports and materials and notifies supervisors when appropriate research opportunities are available for staff.

4. Develops policies and procedures in the Probation Department’s research areas, and provides guidance, recommendations and assistance to management in these program areas.

In the Policy Unit:

1. Coordinates the department’s strategic planning efforts; facilitates the development and implementation of complex departmental policies, initiatives and programs.

2. Responsible for maintaining the ACPD’s Policy Manuals, Informational Bulletins, Chief’s Memorandums, and forms.

3. Facilitates the annual policy review process for the assigned Division(s), coordinating with Probation management to ensure the department’s various policies remain current and up-to-date.

4. Performs analysis for development of administrative, management, program and organizational policies and procedures; analyzes existing policies, procedures and work practices; analyzes the effect of proposed and existing legislation, regulations and law on organizational policies and procedures.

5. Coordinates activities across the Department to ensure that policy changes progress on schedule and within projected budget; reviews status reports prepared by project staff and modifies schedule or plan as required.

6. Independently identifies policies that require revision, and new policies that are required, and ensures they are updated via the appropriate regulatory process.

As the Legislative Coordinator:

1. Serves as Probation’s legislative coordinator, conducts research and analyzes the effect of proposed and existing legislation on Probation program operations, advises management and makes recommendations.

2. Collaborates with department representatives in the development of the Department’s legislative agenda and works with the division heads to develop recommendations on the establishment of policies.

3. Help track Essential Access Health’s legislative, budgetary and administrative priorities and schedule and coordinate legislative visits.

4. Manages the design, composition and printing of legislative impact newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, reports, and other educational literature for dissemination to the public; assists other staff members by writing and editing documents.

In the Re-Entry Employment Unit:

1. Develops policies and procedures in the Probation Department’s research, contracts, employee training, legislation and public information program areas, and provides guidance, recommendations and assistance to management in these program areas.

2. Independently designs, develops and implements offender employment and education programs.

3. Establishes liaisons with local colleges for the purpose of recruiting student interns for field placements in the department.

As the Public Information Officer:

1. Writes press releases, press statements, legislative proposals and analyses; researches proposals, training, volunteer and community group program announcements. Plans, organizes and coordinates Probation staff training and development programs.

2. May serve in a public relations capacity, facilitate public speaking engagements, conduct community public speaking engagements, classroom instruction in orientation and induction to meet Department goals; arranges for guest speakers, consultants and other learning experiences; uses audiovisual equipment and other tools and materials of teaching.

3. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with print and film media representatives and prepares and disseminates information to the media on publicized events.

4. Develops policies and procedures in the Probation Department’s public information program areas, and provides guidance, recommendations and assistance to management in these program areas.

5. Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team, assigned to the Departmental operations Center in the event of a Probation or County emergency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

The equivalent to graduation from an accredited four year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units).

AND

Either I

The equivalent of two years of increasingly responsible full-time, journey-level professional experience developing or administering contracts, research, policy or program development, or training in a probation setting.

Or II

The equivalent of three years of increasingly responsible full-time journey-level professional experience in a criminal justice related field performing duties in one or a combination of the following or closely related areas: contracts and procurement; public information; training; budgeting; program planning; program evaluation; or policy analysis.

Substitution:

Possession of a Master’s degree in business, public administration, social science or a related field to the program area to which assigned from an accredited college or university, may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

License:

Specific positions may require possession of a valid California driver’s license. Specified positions may also require licensure or certification in the programmatic area to which assigned.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of operational, policy and programmatic research and analysis.
• Practices and techniques of administrative, statistical and programmatic analysis and report preparation.
• Principles, practices, funding sources and administrative requirements in the program area to which assigned.
• Principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of direct client service delivery.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic budgetary and financial record-keeping techniques.


Ability to:

• Plan, monitor, and evaluate program and service delivery effectiveness in the programmatic area to which assigned.
• Identify programmatic and operational problems, investigate and evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
• Interpret, explain and apply complex regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence, policies, informational brochures, and other written materials.
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with others and make effective presentations to diverse groups.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Exercise sound independent judgement within established policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Retyped: 1/85
TT:Lm-h
Revised: 4/85
Old document: 0594h
New document: Jobspecs/6118
ys/8/01
CSC Date: 4/10/85
IC:jf Revised 9/8/2017
CSC Date: 10/11/17

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.