Placer County

To plan, organize, direct, and manage the activities of a major division within the Probation Department including investigation or supervision of juveniles or adult probation cases and programs; to coordinate probation activities with other divisions and departments; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Assistant Chief Probation Officer(s).

This is the first level management class in the probation series and reports to the Assistant Chief Probation Officer(s). Positions at this level may have responsibility for adult and/or juvenile probation services in the courts, field, juvenile facility  (24 hour/7 day/week operation) or special services.  Positions in this class are distinguished from the next lower level class of Supervising Deputy Probation Officer by providing full line and functional management responsibility for a division or program area within the department.

Receives administrative direction from the Assistant Chief Probation Officer(s) and/or the Chief Probation Officer.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical probation personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Probation Department work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Direct daily operations of the juvenile facility through subordinate supervisory staff.
• Prepare assigned budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department.
• Advise and assist staff on complex cases and special problems; act in a consulting capacity by providing instruction and guidance in interviewing, evaluation of information, case work techniques, methods and procedures of investigation, and field supervision; review case files and make recommendations for increased effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations; ensure compliance with Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) requirements; may audit or coordinate with outside auditors; ensure timely completion of mandated reports.
• Undertake special assignments as directed by administration, including acting as rangemaster, training officer, and public information officer.
• Plan, organize, and direct institutional activities and programs, coordinate activities with department of education, health services, food services, and other service providers.
• Assist in developing security, care, treatment and custody programs and direct subordinate staff engaged in carrying out such programs; assist in screening of juveniles to be assigned to camps, ranches and schools; consult with staff on the behavior, attitude, and individual problems of youth in the juvenile facility.
• Participate as a member of the management team in planning, organizing, and standardizing of Departmental policies and procedures.
• Review and approve pre-sentence and diversion reports for the courts as prepared by staff; liaison with the courts; appear and testify in court.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Represent the division to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of first line supervisory experience in a Probation operation.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the behavioral science, corrections, criminal justice, public administration or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:

• Must have successfully completed the Probation Manager/Administrator Core Course of instruction certified by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) within one (1) year of appointment to the classification.  Must successfully complete additional required certified instruction annually thereafter.
• Training required under Section 832 of the Penal Code (Search and Seizure) must be successfully completed within 90 days of employment.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Special Requirements:

• Must meet minimum standards required for Peace Officers as set forth in Section 1029 and 1031 of the Government Code;
• Must pass a background investigation;
• Must meet physical standards established for County Safety employees, including a psychological examination.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices of probation and case work.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Principles, practices, and methods involved in administration of juvenile detention and rehabilitation programs; institutional management and security.
• Criminal justice, law enforcement, and court systems and procedures.
• Criminal behavior and the law.
• Causes, control and treatment techniques of crime and delinquency.
• Pertinent local, state and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Principles and practices of policy development.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.

Ability to:

• Organize and direct assigned probation operations.
• Manage, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate supervisory staff.
• On an intermittent basis, analyze individual behavior and family systems; identify potential problems among clients; interpret and understand human behavior; knowledge of criminal behavior and the law; observe youth under supervision; problem solve situations by mediating disputes; remember past Department policies and procedures; and explain procedures and policies to staff and youth.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk while preparing reports or interviewing; walk to supervise youth within the institutions; stand to conduct field contacts; bend and squat to train staff in how to book juveniles into the facility or perform searches; kneel to make arrests or file papers; manage physical confrontations when individuals resist arrest; use fine hand manipulation for handcuff, weapons, and computer use; visual, auditory, and sense of smell needed for supervision of youth and individuals assigned to probation; and lift heavy weight.
• Perform the most complex work of the Probation Department.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Review and evaluate probation cases and formulate plans.
• Use and care for firearms as required by Department.
• Interpret and apply County and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Prepare and administer a complex budget.
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff. 
• Maintain good physical, emotional, and mental condition to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position; meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards to safely and effectively perform assigned duties.
• Be sensitive to various cultural and ethnic groups present in the community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.