SUPERVISING PROBATION OFFICER

Under general direction, supervises, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing case management of adult and/or juvenile probationers, conducting investigations, and preparing reports and recommendations to the court related to sentencing of adult offenders and disposition of juvenile offenders; provides responsible support to assigned Probation Division Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 
Receives general direction from assigned Probation Division Manager.  Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned probation staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first-line full supervisory-level classification in the Deputy Probation Officer series.  Responsibilities include planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of probation staff involved in managing cases, investigations, and reports.  Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full range of deputy probation officer duties, but generally they spend at least half of their time in the performance of supervisor duties.  Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.  This class is distinguished from the Probation Division Manager in that the latter has broad management responsibility for the Adult Probation Unit or Juvenile Probation Unit, and the Supervising Probation Officers are responsible for smaller units within the Adult and Juvenile Probation Units. Supervising Probation Officers provide direct supervision to deputy probation officers assigned to specialized units, such as Adult Field Supervision, Adult Court Services, Juvenile Placement and Court Services, or act as the Department’s assigned training manager for sworn staff.
 
This classification functions as a peace officer within the authority and limits of California Penal Code Sections 830.5 and 832 and may be required to carry a firearm as required by the Chief Probation Officer.(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff responsible for performing case management services including supervising, counseling, and monitoring adult and juvenile offenders on probation, Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), and Mandatory Supervision, conducting investigations and field searches; and preparing various court and case reports; reviews reports, risk assessments, and court orders and determines case assignments to deputy probation officers.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment; implements training procedures and standards.
• Monitors operations and activities of assigned program/function; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for the assigned programs and activities; monitors, controls, and orders supplies and equipment.
• Manages the most complex and/or highly sensitive cases; conducts the more difficult, unusual, or sensitive investigations and recommends appropriate course of action to the courts; processes paperwork for interstate transfers to probationers.
• Reviews and approves assessments, reports, and other documentation prepared by staff.
• Coordinates Probation Department training program for all staff including tracking requirements, identifying training classes, scheduling and enrolling staff, and maintaining records.
• Assists managers conducting internal investigations and may assist with certain aspects of formal Internal Affairs investigations. 
• Supervises assigned probation-related programs including electronic monitoring programs, pretrial services, juvenile placements, sex offender treatment, officer field training programs, Work Release services, the Juvenile Work Program, vehicle fleet maintenance, and the department canine program; reviews and evaluates program services and implements recommendations for improvements.
• Provides staff assistance to assigned Probation Division Manager; prepares and presents reports and correspondence.
• Supervises the preparation and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of activities. 
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding assigned programs, activities, and staff; investigates complaints; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Works collaboratively with partnering County agencies and programs, schools, treatment providers, community agencies, law enforcement, District Attorney and staff, client attorneys, other legal representation, and others during the course of client probation.
• Reviews current developments related to legal codes and regulations and probation operations, conducts research, evaluates implications for the County, develops procedures and recommendations, and assists in planning and management of the department operations.
• Attends and participates in professional, committee, and partner agency meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of probation and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of adult and juvenile probation work including best practices including Evidence Based Practices.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and investigation.
• Principles and theories of applied psychology and/or sociology.
• General community resources necessary to assist in crime and delinquency control.
• Case planning and management including intervention and diversion programs and adjunct therapies.
• Court procedures and operations.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
• Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and policies applicable to adult and juvenile custody and probation.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

 
Ability to: 

• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Organize, implement, and direct probation programs and activities.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solution.
• Supervise the development and implementation of and evaluate effective case management strategies, including involvement of appropriate adjunct services and therapies.
• Supervise and conduct investigations and evaluations of juvenile and adult criminal and other situations including social history, nature of crime or situation, aggravating/mitigating circumstances, and related factors of evaluation.
• Analyze case-related documents and make appropriate deductions and recommendations.
• Review and prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations related to probation.
• Supervise and monitor an adult and/or juvenile caseload, including enforcing terms of probation, facilitating progress, search and seizure, and recommending revocation of probation.
• Plan and make effective presentations to authoritative groups such as courts; testify in court.
• Make quick, sound, and independent decisions based on facts.
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions. 
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, records, and other correspondence and documents.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
Education and Experience:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field and five (5) years of probation experience, including at least one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience.
 
Must complete and pass Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Supervisor Core Course (80 hours of instruction) within one (1) year of appointment.
 
Licenses and Certifications: 

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid California Penal Code 832 certificate, for appointment as a peace officer.
• If assigned to carry a firearm while on duty, must possess a valid certificate of firearms training per California Penal Code Section 832 and maintain firearm qualification.

Technical/Hard Skills required to be successful in this position:

• Leadership experience

• AI experience

• Data Entry

• Writing

• Basic Microsoft Suite

• Filing

Interpersonal/Soft Skills required to be successful in this position:

• Integrity

• Time Management

• Team Player

• Team Player

• Organized

• Flexibility

• Communication

Salary : $80,954 - $98,405