Probation Counselor I - Extra Help

Definition

Under close supervision, to become knowledgeable in the principles and techniques of supervising and counseling persons while in custody and in the community; to assist in the supervision and/or counseling of juveniles or adults committed to a rehabilitative facility while they are in the facility, outside on work crews, or in the community.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Probation Counselor I is the entry-level position in the Probation Counselor series. The degree of supervision may decrease depending on training progress. Positions in this class are found at the William F. James Boys' Ranch, Muriel Wright Residential Center, and any Work Programs administered by the Probation Department.

Typical Tasks

• Assists in the supervision and counseling of juveniles and adults at rehabilitative facilities, and in the community, and learns the methods of directing their activities in a variety of circumstances, such as school, vocational training, leisure time, recreation, work or work apprentice programs;
• Learns a variety of counseling techniques for juveniles and adults and conducts both individual and group counseling sessions;
• Learns methods and standards for keeping a rehabilitative facility safe, healthy and secure for those persons committed;
• Learns supervision techniques for juveniles and adults while committed to rehabilitative facilities and during off site functions;
• Prepares a variety of reports including observation and/or incident reports and counseling logs/treatment plans;
• Maintains progress reports for use within the facility;
• Keeps various logs up to date as required;
• Learns to develop a rehabilitative treatment case plan for modifying anti-social behavior and assists in counseling juveniles and adults in the facility, and in the community as formulated in the plan;
• Prepares court reports and may appear in Court as a witness;
• Learns the process of leading the work activities for juveniles and adults performing a variety of maintenance duties in the facility and in the community; such duties may include but not limited to: janitorial, fire protection, flood control, trail and construction projects and maintenance; welding, culinary, and horticulture projects; auto maintenance; tool and equipment maintenance; and the operation of power tools and other equipment;
• Maintains the security of the facility at all times; inspects windows, keeps doors locked when not in use, keeps count of all persons in custody, as required, and is constantly alert for attempts to escape;
• Assists in admitting and releasing procedures;
• Performs necessary booking and record work, registers and stores personal belongings, searches for weapons or other contraband articles;
• Conducts urine samples from juveniles and adults committed to the facilities as required;
• Outfits juveniles and adults committed to the facilities with clothing and instructs on institutional regulations and routines;
• Counsels family members, juveniles and adults regarding their return home and to the community;
• Supervises juveniles and adults at the facilities during visitation periods;
• Transports juveniles and adults from facility to location where their presence is required;
• Makes field visits and conducts searches as required;
• Maintains contact and coordinates and facilitates family sessions with juveniles and adults;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

Special Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. (Government Code 1031-1031.5).
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.
• Possession of current CPR/First Aid certificate prior to appointment.
• Any felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in this State is disqualifying.
• Must pass a complete background investigation.
• Must successfully complete the training requirements prescribed by the California Penal Code 832 (PC 832 Core Course) within one year of appointment.
• Must successfully complete the training requirements prescribed by the Standards and Training for Corrections (Juvenile or Adult Corrections Officer Core Course) within one year of appointment.

Knowledge of:

• The cultural groups present in Santa Clara County;
• The general emotional and behavioral patterns of both juveniles and adults;
• Leadership techniques for directing or supervising work or leisure time activities;
• First aid practices;
• Acceptable general health care and housekeeping methods;
• Security, inspection, and safety measures necessary in a secure facility.

Ability to:

• Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior;
• Supervise and direct activities of a group of persons in custody providing a safe and positive environment;
• Establish effective working relationships with supervisors and fellow workers;
• Communicate orally and in writing;
• Direct structured recreational and housekeeping activities appropriate to a rehabilitative setting;
• Counsel both groups and individuals.