Human Resource Services
Alameda Skyline

Juvenile Institutional Officer I

Recruitment #13-6214-01

Introduction

THIS EXAM HAS A LIMITED FILING PERIOD

Applications will only be accepted from

9:00am Tuesday, February 5, 2013 until 5:00pm Tuesday, February 19, 2013. 

All applications must be submitted via the online application system.

On February 5th the "Click Here to Apply" button will appear on the bottom of this page.  Be aware that if you only complete an application template and fail to submit your completed application for this position during the limited filing period, your application will not be accepted.

THE EXAMINATION: THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list(s) and may last approximately one year but can be extended.

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON-LINE - PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

A Properly Completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application. Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing.  Failure to apply by the last day for filing and/or failure to completely submit a supplemental questionnaire by the last day for filing will result in disqualification.

DESCRIPTION

The Position of Juvenile Institutional Officer I

Positions of Juvenile Institutional Officer I with Alameda County are located the in the Probation Juvenile Justice Center and at Camp Wilmont Sweeney. Under close supervision, successful candidates will be required to learn the principles and techniques of juvenile group work; to assist in the supervision of a group of juveniles detained in facilities of the Alameda County Probation Department; and to do related work as required.

 The Ideal Candidate will have:

•Identified issues, problems and opportunities and compared data from different sources to draw conclusions while using effective approaches for choosing a course of action and taking action that was consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.    
•Built and maintained productive working relationships and actively participated as a member of a team toward the completion of goals; assumed responsibility for the success of mutual goals.
•Interacted with others in a way that gave them confidence in your intentions and those of the organization.     
•Demonstrated awareness of conditions that affected employee and detainee safety.
•Maintained effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusted effectively to work within new work structures.
•Dealt effectively with others in antagonistic situations; used appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between people.            
•Voluntarily increased knowledge and skills when circumstances called for additional learning and successfully applied the newly learned information on the job.
•Designated primary responsibility and accountability for completing tasks that placed heavy demands on your time and involvement in organizational objectives.
 

The Alameda County Probation Department

The Alameda County Probation Department is an essential element of the County’s system of public protection and human services.  The Department’s role is to reduce the impact of crime in the community by providing accurate, comprehensive and timely information and recommendations to the Courts, providing community-based sanctions and treatment for offenders, and working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and community organizations with similar objectives.  The Department provides a wide range of mandated and discretionary investigative, advisory, and supervisory services to adult and juvenile probationers  pursuant to State law and the County Charter.

 

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact:

Ione Bell, Human Resources Analyst II
1405 Lakeside Drive | Oakland, California 94612
Office 510-272-6456| Facsimile 510-272-6424
ione.bell@acgov.org | www.acgov.org

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of six months full time experience as a Juvenile Institutional Officer Intermittent in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority.)

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full time experience involving the organization, direction, or supervision of youth groups in correctional counseling, or in a recreational or correctional setting.

Or III

Education:

A minimum of ten college or university level courses which may be expected to provide knowledge and skills required for this position. These courses must be equal to or greater than 30 semester units or 45 quarter units successfully completed. Highly desirable coursework will be in the field of social sciences.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license. May be required to obtain a Class "B" driver's license. A good driving record according to DMV negligent operator guidelines and qualifications for automotive insurance.

Special Requirements:

Persons appointed to positions in this class in the Probation Department must meet the minimum standards for Peace Officer Section 1031 Government Code, which includes being a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

A thorough background investigation will be made of all prospective Juvenile Institutional Officers. Any felony conviction is disqualifying.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

Graduation from High School, attained a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or passed a California High School proficiency examination.

Found free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a Peace Officer, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with the California Government Code.

Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal records.

Within the prescribed time limit after date of appointment, satisfactory completion of training for Juvenile Institutional Officer as specified by the California Board of Corrections, Peace Officer Standards and Training PC 832 and any other training required under law.

Must be available to work all shifts and locations.

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:

• Awareness of the cultural groups present in Alameda County.
• General emotional and behavioral patterns of both delinquent and non delinquent juveniles and the causes of juvenile delinquency.
• Leadership techniques for directing or supervising work or leisure time activities.
• Community resources.
• First aid practices.
• Acceptable general health care and housekeeping methods.
• Security, inspection and safety necessary in a secure/non secure facility.
• Department facilities.
• Juvenile laws and departmental rules and regulations.

Skill in:

• Restraining detainees.
• Administering first aid.
• Applying restraint devices such as handcuffs, etc.
• Proper use and deployment of Olerosin Capsicum (OC).

Ability to:

• Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior.
• Secure the respect and confidence of adolescents.
• Establish effective working relationships with supervisors and fellow workers.
• Communicate orally and in writing.
• Organize and supervise structured recreational and housekeeping activities appropriate to a detention setting and counseling, both in groups and with individuals.
• Work with people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Deal with emergency situations.
• Work effectively with adolescents, physically or emotionally handicapped minors/detainees and hostile or irate persons.
• Make decisions.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS

Your application and supplemental questions will be reviewed according to the minimum qualifications.  Those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a written examination that will include situational questions.  Those candidates that pass the written examination will have their situational questions evaluated to determine the best qualified candidates relates to the ideal candidate description. 

Alameda County utilizes a panel of subject matter experts to evaluate candidates’ job related competencies and suitability for the position during the panel interview.  The primary objectives of this process are to: acquaint interviewer and candidate; learn more about the candidate’s background and experience as it relates to the job; and help the candidate understand the position and organization.  Most interview panels will be comprised of subject matter experts within the organization, which may include supervisors and managers from the hiring department; other interviews may be comprised of experts from outside of the organization.  In cases where the hiring manager participates in the interview process, the department may choose to hire directly from the established eligible list and may choose not to have additional departmental interviews.

The examination will consist of the following steps:

1.A review of candidates' application to verify possession of minimum requirements.  Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process.
2.A written examination.  Immediately following the written examination, all candidates that participate in the written examination will respond in writing to behavioral based supplemental questions.  The supplemental questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate description and those candidates that are determined to be best qualified will be placed on the ranking list based on the score of the written exam.
Candidates must attain a qualifying rating on each portion of this recruitment. 

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.

 

Selection Plan

Applicants will be informed with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance.  The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency:

Deadline for Filing:  Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Minimum Qualification Review Completed By:  Friday, March 1, 2013

Written Examination and Written Behaviorial Based Responses tentatively scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 15th and 16th, 2013

 

BENEFITS

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

 

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

DMV EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE PROGRAM
All county employees who drive on county business are required to enroll in the California Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Pull Notice Program in an effort to promote driver safety.  Employees’ driver record reports will be released to the County Safety Officer in Risk Management to ensure that employees have valid driver’s licenses and are eligible to drive on county business.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.

 

Conclusion

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email.  Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use.  If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you.  All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account.  You  will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the “My applications” button on the Current Job Openings page. 

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied.  The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.   

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system.  Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox.  If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs.  You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.