Probation Manager

Only current, permanent Placer County employees may apply for this recruitment.

To plan, organize, direct, and manage the activities of 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.

This is the first level management class in the probation series and reports to the Assistant Chief Probation Officer. Positions at this level may have responsibility for services such as adult and/or juvenile probation services in the courts, field, 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 or 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 work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• 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 personnel; 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. 
• 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. 
• Undertake special assignments as directed by administration, including acting as rangemaster, training officer, and public information officer. 
• 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.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

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.

• Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.
• Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Personnel Department.

License or Certificate:

• Must have successfully completed the Supervisory Probation Course of instruction certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) within one year of appointment to the classification.  Must successfully complete additional required certified instruction annually thereafter.
• Must maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certificate.
• 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.
• 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 wards under supervision; problem solve situations by mediating disputes; remember past Department policies and procedures; and explain procedures and policies to staff and wards.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk while preparing reports or interviewing; walk to supervise wards 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 wards and individuals assigned to probation; and lift heavy weight.
• Perform the most complex work of the 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 budget.
• 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.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for Management - Safety bargaining unit