Assistant Chief Probation Officer

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

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Alameda is the second largest county in the Bay Area and the seventh largest county in the State.   Alameda County, with a population approaching 1.6 million residents, is the geographic center of the San Francisco Bay Area, located on the east side of the Bay across from the San Francisco peninsula, with Contra Costa County to the north and Santa Clara County to the south. The County encompasses 14 incorporated cities and six unincorporated areas that span a total of 738 square miles.

Commonly referred to as the “East Bay,” the region has been the fastest growing in the San Francisco Bay area for more than two decades.  The East Bay is popular because of its desirable location, incredible diversity, ideal climate, broad economic base, plus its range of available housing and business opportunities. The County itself is one of the most diverse regions in the entire country.

Alameda County offers a rich array of cultural activities, including the Oakland Museum and the Oakland East Bay Symphony. The region is home to three professional sports teams: the Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors. The wine country of the inland Tri-Valley area and the Chabot Space and Science Center bring additional opportunities for recreation, relaxation and education. The University of California, Berkeley and California State University, East Bay are just two of the numerous distinguished academic institutions serving Northern California.  Urban transportation options are extremely accessible in Alameda County including the Oakland International Airport and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Alameda County was established in 1853 and operates under a charter form of government.  The City of Oakland is the County Seat and is also the largest city in the County of Alameda.  The County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors that is elected on a non-partisan basis from the districts in which they live, and serve four year staggered terms. The Board is responsible for setting policy, overseeing all County operations, approving the organization’s annual budget, and representing the County in a number of areas including its numerous special districts and regional agencies. The Board of Supervisors appoints the County Administrator, who is charged with overseeing County operations and services, and developing the overall budget.

The County is supported by over 9,000 employees with an annual budget of nearly $2.7 billion. As a major urban county, Alameda delivers a full spectrum of services, including general government and internal services, health care, social services, public works, criminal justice and other public safety services for its citizens. Alameda County’s mission is to enrich the lives of its residents through visionary policies and accessible, responsive and effective services. Its vision is to be recognized as one of the best counties in which to live, work and do business.

THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT
Under the leadership of Chief LaDonna Harris, the Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) serves the people of Alameda County, in partnership with the County Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator and a team of talented and committed professionals. There are four primary divisions within the Probation Department: Juvenile Facilities, Juvenile Field Services, Adult Field Services and Administration.

The Department operates two juvenile facilities, Juvenile Hall and Camp Wilmont Sweeney. There are on average 165 youth in Juvenile Hall, which has a capacity of 340 and an average of 45 youth at Camp Sweeney, which has a capacity of 60.

Although the populations adjust constantly, there are approximately 2,000 youth and 13,000 adults on probation in Alameda County. Of those 15,000 individuals under the supervision of the Probation Department, nearly 50% live in the City of Oakland, 15% live in Hayward, 6% live in San Leandro, and 6% live in Fremont with all other cities in the county totaling less than 5% of the probation population. Of the 15,000 youth and adults on probation in the county, 50% are African American, 22% are Latino, 20% are Caucasian and 3% are Asian.  The Probation Department has approximately 660 budgeted staff. The annual budget for fiscal year 2014-15 is approximately $118 million.

OUR VISION
We are committed to becoming the best Probation Department in the country.

OUR MISSION
The mission of the Alameda County Probation Department is to protect the public safety by providing supervision, services, support and opportunities to our clients on behalf of the people of Alameda County through quality supervision, leadership, services and effective partnerships.

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS
 To Manage Compliance with Conditions of Supervision
 To Provide Robust Rehabilitation Opportunities
 To Develop Knowledgeable & Professional Leaders at All Levels of the Department
 To Develop and Maintain Strong Community & Government Partnerships
 To Implement Effective & Efficient Operations

THE ASSISTANT CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER POSITION
The Assistant Chief Probation Officer reports directly to the Chief Probation Officer and is a key member of the department’s executive management team.  As directed by the Chief, the Assistant Chief’s core responsibility is to lead, direct, organize and evaluate the administrative and financial operations of the department including overseeing the development and implementation of major probation programs, services and policies.  The position will oversees three direct reports and administers department policies and implements best practices in probation operations, staff management, and probation reform.  The Assistant Chief is also responsible for representing the department externally at meetings with County administrative officials, members of the Board of Supervisors, legislative bodies, boards, commissions, and various community groups and other organizations and serves as the Chief Probation Officer in her absence.

The Department recently facilitated a 30-month strategic planning process and just recently finalized a strategic plan. The strategic planning process diagnosed the department challenges, provided the dialogue and vehicle to lay out the guiding principles for transformative practice and most importantly, conceived and jump started the implementation of a coherent set of actions. The process confirmed that the men and women of the Alameda County Probation Department remain committed to serving the people of Alameda County at the highest level of excellence and professionalism.  The strategic plan presents a new vision and mission statement for the Department, outlines a set of nine drivers of reform, articulates five major strategic goals, and provides an overview of key programmatic & operational initiatives designed to support those goals.  A more detailed implementation plan has been developed for each of the program areas to create a seamless and integrated approach to the department’s work.  The Assistant Chief will play a major role in implementing the strategic plan and facilitating culture change throughout the department along with working closely with Chief LaDonna Harris in addressing the following top priorities:

• Integrated Behavioral Intervention Strategies (IBIS) Roll-Out. Facilitate staff ownership, culture change management, implementation, and training for successful introduction and adoption of IBIS by all staff.

• Capital Projects.  Oversee the construction management for 3 major capital projects: the rear annex redesign of the Probation Center transforming it into the Alameda County Transition and Day Reporting Center, the reconstruction of Camp Sweeney and Administration’s move to 1111 Jackson Street.

• Positive Youth Justice Initiative.  Collaborate with the Deputy Chief of Juvenile Field Services and Facilities, County and Foundation partners to implement and evaluate the initiative designed to produce better outcomes for system-impacted youth.

• New Case Management System Implementation.  Oversee and support the project manager in the roll out, implementation, policy/procedure development, staff training, and ongoing evaluation of the new case management system.

For additional information visit the Probation Department’s website at http://www.acgov.org/probation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Interprets County and Probation Department policy, procedures and regulations to subordinate management personnel as they relate to probation/correctional issues; reviews operations and ensures compliance with policy and directives.
2. Consults with and advises subordinates on problems concerning personnel and coordination of procedures and services; evaluates continuing operations and, if indicated, initiates corrective action through discussion with the Deputy Chief involved; recommends the assignment and reassignment of personnel to the Chief Probation Officer.
3. Prepares and administers the annual budget as directed by the Chief Probation Officer; reviews budget estimates and requests with Deputy Chiefs and the Administrative/Financial Services Manager with a view to maintaining prudent and ethical fiscal practice.
4. Plans, organizes and implements strategic planning, including review of correctional studies, reports and special demonstration projects to address identified or anticipated Probation Department needs and services, facilities and designs; responsible for implementing organizational change, restructuring or program development in the Probation Department; confers with the Juvenile Justice Commission, Board of Supervisors, architects, and other interested parties.
5. Coordinates the Probation Department's training program; and evaluates the overall effectiveness of both the annual and required training program and implements specialized training to address particular projects or newly identified department training needs and plans future training using evidence based training techniques.
6. As directed by the Chief Probation Officer, reviews the work of the Administrative/Financial Services Division in preparing the annual department budget and establishes and maintains budgetary controls over expenditures, use of equipment, office space and staff; approves disbursements from department trust accounts or special department funds; discusses with the supervisor of the Central Collections Unit the more complex problems concerning the collections of monies in reimbursement, restitution, or County pay cases, and decides on action to be taken; reviews accounting procedures for efficiency and directs changes as indicated or as recommended by the Auditor-Controller's Office.
7. Sets goals, priorities and objectives for administrative and financial operations to ensure compliance with the Department's Mission Statement, Federal and State laws, County policies, and established professional correctional policies/procedures; consults with Deputy Chiefs so that appropriate goals and objectives can be identified and evaluated.
8. Establishes department work priorities, reviews management reports to monitor department activities, and evaluates the work performance of division managers, may also be involved in the management of personnel discipline and administrative grievances.
9. Directs the department's resource development efforts in developing innovative Probation and/or correctional programs, grant applications, projects and assists in securing funding.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Alameda County Probation Department is seeking a transformational operational leader, and collaborator with solid organizational, administrative and people skills and an unwavering commitment to probation reform to serve as the Assistant Chief.  The ideal candidate will possess the following expertise and attributes:
 
• Experience as an operational probation leader/administrator manager in a large complex agency with strong organizational, staff management, collaboration and problem solving skills and with demonstrated success in driving organizational culture change;

• Demonstrated organizational leadership experience in implementing and evaluating multiple organizational and operational goals, objectives, programs, policies, procedures, performance standards, that are data driven, results oriented, performance based and in alignment with the department’s strategic plan;

• Extensive knowledge and experience with implementing evidence based practices, principles, and techniques in support of delivering and evaluating progressive adult and juvenile probation services; including knowledge of federal and state applicable laws, codes, statutes, and regulations impacting the delivery of probation services and operations;

• Visionary leader and innovator who possesses a progressive lens to probation with experience facilitating department wide service integration models that include; collaborating with community and county resource partners that provide services in support of current alternative sentencing/detention and comprehensive treatment trends and strategies;
• Demonstrated people leader who models service excellence, compassion, cultural competence, while creating an environment where system-wide collaboration with internal and external departments, community partners and others is advanced;

• A team builder with the proven ability to empower, nurture and coach a team of committed and skilled employees; who inspires staff to be high performers and accountable; believes in, encourages, and demonstrates professional development; and works effectively with a unionized workforce;

• Passion and sensitivity for the needs of Alameda County’s ethnically/culturally diverse urban population and clientele.  A strong commitment/approach to advocating for, stimulating community interest and partnership in the delivery of rehabilitative and holistic probation programs and services with increased family and community participation;

• Proven track record of convening, building trust and consensus among multiple stakeholders.  Skilled at establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial and effective working relationships and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including residents, clients, public and private organizations, the Board of Supervisors, commissioners, local, state and federal officials, County departments, the County Administrator, staff and community based service partners;

• A track record of effective and responsible public sector budget and financial management skills and the ability to secure additional/alternative program funding;

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening and communications expertise (verbal and written);

• Engaging, responsive and approachable leadership style; willingness to take calculated risks to advance organizational objectives; not afraid to make mistakes;

• Political astuteness/awareness;

• Consummate problem solver with the ability to think independently, respond to issues quickly and make sound decisions and recommendations;

• High level of emotional intelligence; a forward thinker with the ability to see the big picture; while anticipating the needs of the Chief and the department and the direction the department needs to move;

• “Hands-on,” management philosophy/approach with a willingness to be visible and interact with employees at all levels, as well as with County agencies/departments and community based organizations; 

• High level of integrity, values, honesty, and demonstrated ability to effectively manage confidential sensitive situations; Sensitive to the human element of the work; a high degree of care and concern for people; is sincere but firm; thick skinned; humble;

• Get it done attitude; 

• Appreciates inclusivity and diversity of thought and ideas.

Click here to view a copy of the recruitment brochure.

Either I
Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to human services administration, such as Public Administration, Social Welfare, Psychology, Business Administration, or Public Service Management.

And
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience at the level of Probation Program Manager, or in an equivalent or higher level Probation Department classification in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority.)

Or II
Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to human services administration, such as Public Administration, Social Welfare, Psychology, Business Administration or Public Services Management.

And
Experience:

The equivalent of five years of full-time, increasingly responsible supervisory administrative or managerial experience at the level of Program Manager - Probation or an equivalent or higher level classification, which involved the supervision of a major staff support program or program division in an organization associated with the delivery of services in the fields of Probation, Corrections or other justice programs and services. A master’s degree in the field directly related to Human Services Administration may be substituted for two years of the required supervisory experience.

License:

All candidates must posses a valid California Class "C" Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Good driving record according to DMV negligent operator guidelines and qualifications for automotive insurance. Possession of an automobile is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must meet all minimum standards for Peace Officer under Section 1031 of the Government Code which includes:

Persons appointed to positions in this classification in the Probation Department be citizens of the United States or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for citizenship at least one year prior to their application for employment.

Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

Graduated from high school, attained a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or passed a California high school proficiency examination.

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

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.

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

May be required to be armed within course and scope of duties.

Any felony conviction is disqualifying, except if granted a full and unconditional pardon from the felony conviction.

Willingness to perform work requiring irregular hours, holidays and weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant must satisfactorily pass a thorough medical examination for Peace Officers and a psychological evaluation before job placement can take place.
NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

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 the role and function, responsibility and authority of a County Probation Department.
• Supporting federal and state regulations impacting the delivery of Probation services, the Welfare and Institution Code, the Penal Code, health and Safety Code, Government code, State Legislation, Peace Officer Bill of Rights, and other laws and regulations relating to probation operations.
• Philosophy, principles and practices of social casework pertaining to the investigation, evaluation and detention of juveniles, including placement services and treatment.
• Investigation and evaluation of adult offenders sentenced to probation supervision.
• Theory, principles and practices of public sector financial administration, governmental budgeting, grants, funding proposal development, reimbursement claiming, procedures and contracts administration.
• Principles of modern organizational development, management, Human Resources development and public relations.
• Community resources and current alternative sentencing and treatment trends in the field of professional Probation, Parole and Corrections services.
• Federal and state grants, funding proposal development, reimbursement claiming procedures and contracts administration.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate commitment to the County’s mission, credo and goals.
• Continually model excellence and demonstrate vision, leadership, strong managerial skills and innovation in a large, complex and changing urban Probation department.
• Administer, plan, organize and direct a major administrative and financial operation in a large County-based Probation department.
• Coordinate varied and complex probation activities, in order to gain the cooperation of the professional and administrative personnel involved.
• Communicate effectively orally, and demonstrate strong writing skills by preparing clear, concise and timely reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with the Board of Supervisors, other elected and appointed officials, County Administrator's staff, community organization, other County departments’ management staff and others.
• Analyze and evaluate department-wide programs and administrative problems, identify alternative solutions and recommend practical, logical and effective solutions.
• Analyze new or proposed Federal and State legislation and to assess and report on the impact to the department's operations.
• Plan, organize and direct the multidisciplinary work of department staff, including professional and administrative support personnel.
• Maintain good public relations by being sensitive to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Alameda County's workforce, residents and clientele, responding to identified needs, advocating for customers and clients and stimulating community interest and promoting partnership in the delivery of all Probation programs and services.
• Work effectively as a team leader and builder.
• Use resources wisely.

SELECTION PROCESS
The Assistant Chief Probation Officer recruitment is being conducted on a national basis by The Hawkins Company. The Hawkins Company will review all written materials submitted, and will screen and evaluate all candidates. Only those deemed most qualified will advance to the next level of the recruitment process. The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an on-site interview. All questions must be addressed to The Hawkins Company.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified individuals should submit a letter of interest, including current salary and resume electronically to ac.probation@thehawkinscompany.com.

Applications should be received by October 27, 2014.

This position is open until filled. Materials can also be mailed to:
The Hawkins Company, 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 110-216, Los Angeles, CA 90045,

For additional information or questions, please contact Ms. Brett Byers at 323-403-8279 or Bill Hawkins at 310-348-8800.  www.thehawkinscompany.com.

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 & Welfare Benefits

• Medical – HMO & PPO Insurance
• Dental – PPO & DHMO Insurance  
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage) 
• County Allowance
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Group Auto/Home
• 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.