Probation Officer I

CLASS SPECIFICATION

Modoc County

CLASS CODE: 4022-008

CLASS TITLE: Probation Officer I

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt

RANGE/STEP A-J: 246 (Step-A: $3,911 - Step-J: $6,068)

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of professional adult and juvenile probation duties related to case management, field monitoring and investigation, parole supervision, mediation, intake, and other programs; performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry-level class in this professional probation series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents provide probation intake, investigation, and case management services while learning policies, rules, and procedures. As they gain experience, duties become more diverse and are performed under less direct supervision. This class is alternately staffed with Probation Officer II incumbents, and they may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications for the higher-level class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. The position may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Investigate verifies and compile information and prepare reports regarding the personal, social, educational, financial, vocational, health, and/or prior criminal history of probationers for various other law enforcement, Board of Corrections, and Court Officials, and social service, group home, or juvenile support agencies.
• Develops and presents recommendations for case management upon intake or for actions in the event of a violation of probation.
• Provides direct field supervision of adult and juvenile offenders, including home, employment, and school visits, weapons and contraband searches, and chemical testing.
• Ensures that conditions of probation are complied with.
• Investigates and processes probation violations and makes recommendations regarding revocation of probation, arrests, detentions, and transport probationers as appropriate.
• Counsels and advises probationers and their families regarding pertinent personal, social, educational, financial, vocational, and health matters.
• Provides or refers clients to appropriate support services for mediation and crisis intervention situations.
• Confers and maintains liaison with schools, foster or group home services, public guardianship and/or conservator staff, medical and psychological staff, potential employers, and others regarding the probationer and their conditions of probation and support requirements.
• Acts as a court mediator for child custody disputes.
• Conducts specialized and intensive investigations regarding the assigned case, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, and prepares reports for court submission.
• Maintains a variety of records and case files, and writes reports, statements, legal documents, correspondence, and other written materials.

Important:

• Performs a variety of booking and intake duties, and performs or provides for translation and/or juvenile transportation services as required.
• Uses a variety of standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of work, drives a county vehicle to transport adults or juveniles, make home visits, and attends meetings.
• May provide training to less experienced Probation staff.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to satisfactorily perform the job’s essential duties and responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA’S)

Knowledge of:

• Community resources for social services and youth and family support.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Techniques of investigation, research, and report preparation.
• Basic methods of arrest and restraint.
• Basic safety practices related to the work.
• Basic practices and procedures of the adult and juvenile criminal justice system.
• Basic interviewing, teaching, behavior modification, and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of the Modoc County policies and procedures and the Probation Department policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Observing, interpreting, and accurately recording behavioral events.
• Interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Maintaining accurate case records and records of work performed.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, court documents, and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Ability to follow and adhere to the Modoc County policies and procedures and the Probation Department policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to use a smartphone.
• Ability to utilize phone and computer applications.
• Ability to use and assist users with remote meeting technology.
• Ability to embrace new technology to make the workplace more efficient.

Required to:

• Support the vision and mission of the county and its elected and appointed officials.
• Provide courteous and timely customer service to the public as the ultimate employers.
• Provide courteous and timely customer service to other county departments and work cooperatively with other county employees.
• Adhere to the Modoc County Code of Safe Practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience/training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Some experience in the field of probation or law enforcement is desirable and would qualify for Range 246.

* Some experience in the field of probation or law enforcement is desirable and equivalent to an associate degree, with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field, and meets the eligibility requirement for Range 251.

REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must pass the California Corrections Exams to be eligible for the Probation Officer I position.

Required Licensing and Certification:

Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. basic certificate and/or California Peace Officer certification (PC 832 certificate).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Mobility to work in a typical court, detention, or public safety setting, including stamina to stand and/or walk for an extended period, and strength to restrain, arrest, and/or eject individuals. Vision to use standard office equipment and read printed materials, including a computer screen. Hearing and speech are used to communicate in person as well as over the telephone.

Physical and psychological characteristics to meet and maintain P.O.S.T. guidelines.

Physical characteristics to meet and maintain the California Peace Officer certification (PC 832).

Accommodation may be made for some of these physical and psychological demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Working Conditions:

Work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and be available for call back. Pass a detailed background investigation.

Work under potentially life-threatening emergency conditions.

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

All County of Modoc employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (through state Law) (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with Modoc County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

FLSA Status is dependent upon meeting the qualifications for the exemption test. All of the following must be met for the status to be Exempt. Upon meeting the Exempt status, a certification form will need to be completed to accompany the Personnel Action Notification (PAN) form.

Approved through the county-wide reclassification survey in February 1996

Reclassified and approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 12, 2017. Effective: January 1, 2018

Reclassified and approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 10, 2022. Effective: May 10, 2022

Range and step updated per approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Salary Table on January 24, 2023

Effective: February 1, 2023

Range and step updated per approval of the side letter of agreement on March 14, 2023, to incorporate a 12% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

Effective: April 1, 2023