THE JOB: Deputy Probation Officers perform referral, supervision, counseling and rehabilitation services for a caseload of adult and juvenile offenders on probation and their families. Deputy Probation Officer I is the trainee level in the probation officer series.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university in psychology, sociology, social services, humanities, criminal justice or a related field; OR, two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Probation Aide with the County of Santa Cruz. 

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the fundamental principles of human behavior and psychology and interviewing and investigative techniques. Some knowledge of the principles of penology as they affect persons in legal custody; social, economic and psychological forces that affect behavior; community and governmental resources available for probationers; office procedures, practices and record-keeping systems; and the functions and services of a probation department.

Ability to: Learn and apply principles and practices of probation work and casework experience; interview persons from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds and obtain confidential information; gather and analyze investigative materials, exercise sound judgment in the assessment of family and personal problems, and weigh and determine the truth and importance of statements of evidence; assess, through observation, the possible presence of substance abuse or mental health problems, and make the appropriate referrals; make realistic and suitable casework recommendations about the lives of detainees, offenders and probationers; understand, interpret, explain and apply Federal and State laws and county ordinances, policies and procedures; work well under considerable pressure of deadlines, heavy workload and with upset, antagonistic or manipulative detainees, offenders, probationers and their families; manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet legal and departmental requirements; use computer and word processing programs to prepare reports; learn to use computer case management system; effectively utilize community resources; learn to use dictating equipment, physical restraints, drug testing devices, and radios; write clear, concise and objective reports in which conclusions and recommendations are adequately supported; orally present and explain facts and situations effectively; prepare and maintain accurate records, case files and statistical reports; lift items weighing up to 35 pounds from the floor, such as bins containing file folders; learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer; perform the full range of generalist duties with considerable skill, initiative and professional judgment; diffuse potentially volatile situations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with judges, detainees, clients, law enforcement personnel, Mental Health employees, and others contacted in the course of business; learn to read criminal history sheets, from a variety of sources such as the FBI, DMV, and state and local law enforcement agencies; work independently with little supervision; work in locked facilities; push and pull heavy doors to gain access to locked facilities; distinguish mechanical sounds such as warning alarms and low volume conversations in a noisy environment.

THE EXAMINATION: The examination consists of a review of the required knowledge and abilities as demonstrated on the application/supplemental application (pass/fail). Those successful in this evaluation will be invited to a written examination (40%) and a performance examination consisting of job-related writing exercise (60%). The ability to speak Spanish is required. Candidates must successfully complete a language skills examination (pass/fail) in order to be placed on the eligible list. Some positions may be designated for level I or level II bilingual pay (Spanish Speaking). The examination for LEVEL I is the ability to converse in Spanish and to read English and translate orally into Spanish. Applicants MUST PASS ALL components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
License/Certificate Requirements: Possess a valid California class C driver license; complete mandated Standards and Training for Corrections Program requirements.
Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation to meet provisions of Government Code 1029, 1029.1 and 1031. 
Education: Government Code 1031 includes the requirement that a peace officer shall be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university. 
Other Special Working Requirements: Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship at least one year prior to application for employment in accordance with Section 1031.5 of the Government Code; availability to work a flexible schedule, including evening, weekends, holidays and on an emergency, as needed basis.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 
All assignments: Exposure to the possibility of bodily injury; potentially hostile clients; heights of up to 12 feet, such as climbing ladders; dust and pollens; offensive odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; insect bites. 
Work Furlough assignment: Exposure to high levels of noise; moving machinery; toxins; and chemical irritants.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now!  Click on the link below; or print out a scannable application and mail/bring application to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 or Personnel Department, 1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite 101, Watsonville, CA, 95076.  For information, call (831) 454-2600.  Hearing Impaired TDD# (831) 454-2123.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways:  1) in the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.

IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT WOULD REQUIRE TEST ACCOMMODATION, CALL (831) 454-2600. 
WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
VACATION - 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years. Available after six months for vacation and/or sick leave. 
HOLIDAYS - 11.5 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN – The County contracts with CA Service Employees Health & Welfare Trust Fund and PERS for a variety of health plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a large majority of the premiums for employees and dependents.
DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and dependant coverage.
VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may pay for dependents.
RETIREMENT & SOCIAL SECURITY - PERS 2% @ 55 retirement plan, integrated with Social Security.
LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $20,000 term policy. Employee may purchase supplemental life insurance.
LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN – County paid plan. Plan will play 60% of the first $692 or $415 max per week.
DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN – Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.” 
EMPLOYEE/FAMILY CREDIT UNION - Offers systematic savings and low interest loans. 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.
OTHER - Other pay and benefit items apply to certain positions or assignments, such as Bilingual Pay and Night Shift Differential.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.