County of Sacramento

Class Title: Probation Assistant

Class Code: 28223

Salary: $22.44 - $28.64 Hourly
$1,795.20 - $2,291.20 Biweekly
$3,904.56 - $4,983.36 Monthly
$46,854.72 - $59,800.32 Annually

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Description Benefits
Under supervision, learns to apply the principles and techniques of probation work; supervises and counsels individuals detained in, committed to, or sheltered in one of several County juvenile institutions; supervises minors assigned to Work Project; and provides close supervision of minors placed on home supervision.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the entry level class in the Probation Officer class series. In this class incumbents receive training and work experience in professional level case work and counseling to develop the skills necessary to provide care and control of juveniles in an institutional setting or under constructive custody of the juvenile court, preparatory to advancement to the journey level of the probation series. This class differs from the next higher class of Deputy Probation Officer in that incumbents in the latter class perform at the journey level in a variety of assignments involving adult and juvenile offenders.
Examples of Duties, Knowledge, and Abilities:
NOTE: The following duties are typical of those performed by incumbents in this class. Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual. DUTIES: Home Supervision Assignments: 1. Supervises the conduct and welfare of juveniles under jurisdiction of the probation officer or the Juvenile Court; interviews juvenile and parent, and explains the nature and conditions of release; arranges for referral to other agencies as required; and makes follow-up contacts with various legal representatives, social service, school and other law enforcement agencies. 2. Supervises juveniles to effect compliance with conditions of release and evaluates adjustments to home, school and community. 3. Confers with supervisor regarding juveniles' progress and need for modification or revocation of home supervision status. 4. Prepares case reports relating to disposition and progress of juvenile with recommendation for continuation, modification or termination of status. 5. Maintains case folders, record of contacts and other records relating to cases. 6. Makes arrests in those cases in which the juveniles violate the conditions of Home Supervision, as imposed by the Juvenile Court. Institutional Assignments: 1. Reviews files, unit logs, medication requirements and restriction sheets for background data and treatment guidelines. 2. Provides care, custody and control of a group of juvenile offenders detained in a Probation Department facility. 3. Monitors group and individual activities through supervision of work and play, and records significant observations of these and other group interactions. 4. Counsels juveniles individually and in groups regarding behavior. 5. Enforces order and the disciplinary policies and procedures of the institution. 6. Writes behavioral and progress reports and other significant data on juveniles for department and court information. 7. Assists in planning, organizing, and conducting recreational and leisure time programs. 8. Teaches games and work skills. 9. Supervises personal hygiene, cleanliness and housekeeping habits. 10. Maintains security of the institution. 11. Conducts body and room searches for contraband. 12. Inspects equipment and facilities for damage and safety. 13. Transports and escorts juveniles under custody conditions. 14. Remains alert to potential problems and unusual behavior of juveniles. 15. Responds to emergencies, including escapes and attempted escapes, and takes action to control disturbances and behavior problems of juveniles. 16. Communicates juveniles' activities and observations to appropriate supervisors. Knowledge • principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents; • the growth, development, needs and problems of minors; • symptoms of behavior disorders; • group dynamics; • codes, standards and regulations governing care and treatment of juveniles in juvenile hall, camps, ranches or schools; • principles of investigation and laws governing search, seizure and preservation of evidence; • counseling techniques; • basic housekeeping techniques; • hygienic standards; • motivational techniques; • crisis intervention; • self-defense; • arrest procedures; • appropriate use of force and security techniques; • rights and liabilities of peace officers Ability • secure the respect and confidence of adolescents; • cope with hostility and aggressive behavior; • work well as a member of a team; • exercise good judgment and act calmly in emergency situations; • recognize subtle changes in behavior; • read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance; • prepare concise and clear reports; • maintain records; • communicate with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds; • establish and maintain effective working relationships;
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university, preferably with a degree in criminal justice, social or another behavioral science. Up to one year of the required education may be substituted by experience in full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid law enforcement or correctional work in a probation or parole agency, or correctional institution on the basis of 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month = 3 semester or 4.5 quarter units. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Compliance with Government Code: In accordance with California Government Code, section 1031, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: a. Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Any permanent resident alien shall be disqualified from holding a position if his or her application for citizenship is denied. b. Be at least 18 years of age. c. Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. In addition, a classifiable set of fingerprints shall be furnished to the Department of Justice and to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. d. Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Criminal History Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment to Sacramento County Civil Service Rules, candidates found to have been convicted of a felony will be disqualified. Certificate Required: Satisfactory completion of required P.O.S.T. training for Probation Officers as specified in Section 832 of the Penal Code must be completed within one year after appointment as a Probation Assistant. In addition, all appointees shall also be required to complete any other P.O.S.T. or other training required by law or by the department. Physical Requirements: Incumbents will frequently perform a wide variety of physical tasks such as standing, walking, running, stooping, bending, climbing stairs and lifting of individuals which requires strength, coordination, endurance, and agility. In addition, there may be occasional contact with hostile individuals , and incumbents may be subjected to physical and verbal abuse while restraining individuals. Drivers License: Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required at the time of appointment. Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate valid California Driver License may constitute cause for dismissal from the class under applicable Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Hours of Work: Incumbents in this class must be willing to work irregular hours, holidays and weekends.
Probationary Period and Class History Information:
Twelve (12) months. Adopted: 3/17/77 Revised: 2/20/98; 10/12/01 Class Code: 28223 Schematic Code: 64581-0 EEO Code: 02 Rep Unit: 019