Probation Officer II

CLASS SPECIFICATION

Modoc County

CLASS CODE: 4022-009

CLASS TITLE: Probation Officer II

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt

RANGE/STEP A-J: 260 (Step-A: $4,195 - Step-J: $6,507)

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 experienced level class in this professional series, fully competent to perform a broad spectrum of probation duties for diversified programs. Incumbents in this class are responsible for supervising adult and juvenile probationers and for enforcing adherence to the court-ordered conditions of probation. This class is distinguished from the Chief Probation Officer I in that they are expected to be proficient in their knowledge and application of the law; proficient in their use of evidence-based skillsets and practices; proficient in their application of Department and County policy, procedures, and practices. The DPO II must be able to manage an assigned caseload and complex pre-sentence investigations with little direct oversight.

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.

• Manages a caseload of adult and or/juvenile offenders consistent with the principles of effective intervention.
• Investigate, verify, 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.
• Works closely with law enforcement agencies to assist with the enforcement of supervision conditions.
• Works closely with treatment providers to determine offender compliance with counseling programs.
• Works closely with offender families, employers, and other natural supports to assist the offender with successful rehabilitation and integration into the community.
• 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, detains, and transports 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 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.
• Makes determinations about formally processing cases through the court system and about requiring secured detention before a court hearing; prepares and submits appropriate legal documents as required for action.
• Diligently 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, makes home visits, and attends meetings.
• May provide training to less experienced Probation staff.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA’S)

Knowledge of:

• Community resources for social services, 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.
• Available preventative and/or remedial services to adult and juvenile probationers.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Mediation processes and techniques for resolving child custody disputes.
• Techniques of investigation and situational research.
• Interviewing, teaching, behavior modification, and counseling techniques.
• Victims’ rights and sentencing laws.
• Basic revenue recovery techniques and methods.
• 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 individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Assessing and evaluating the risks of adult and juvenile probation.
• Developing and monitoring rehabilitation and treatment programs for probationers.
• Recognizing and evaluating adult and juvenile behavior and performing effective crisis intervention and counseling.
• Taking sound, independent action in emergencies or crises.

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.
• Ability to follow and adhere to the Modoc County policies and procedures and the Probation Department policies and procedures.

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 employer.
• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 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 a call back. Pass a detailed background investigation.

Work under potentially life-threatening emergency conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is acceptable; a typical way of gaining the knowledge and skills is outlined below:

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or University, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of work experience in probation, social services, substance abuse, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of professional-level experience in providing probation and casework/counseling services at a level equivalent to the county’s class of Probation Officer I. Must have completed Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certified Probation Officer Core training.

REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must pass the California Corrections Exams to be eligible for the Probation Officer II 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).

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