Probation Technician

Probation Support Specialist

Under general supervision, performs a variety of support tasks of moderate complexity involving the investigation, supervision and treatment of juveniles and adults referred to probation services utilizing Best Practices and/or Evidence Based Practices; performs support work for the Pretrial Services Unit of the Probation Department; interviews pre-arraignment criminal defendants and/or others to obtain criminal, social and/or other relevant background information; verifies, documents and evaluates the information obtained;

identifies the defendant's eligibility for release from custody based on policy and/or law; makes appropriate recommendations to the courts regarding whether or not to release the defendant; prepares required documentation and reports; and performs related or work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is a paraprofessional classification within the Probation Department designed to provide specialized and technical support to Probation Officers. Incumbents work initially under close supervision and receive on-the-job-training in basic casework management. As experience is gained, incumbents will receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are expected to otherwise perform the full-range of journey-level tasks association with the position.

The work has technical and procedural aspects, requiring the interpretation and application of and ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and requirement and regulations. This class is distinguished from Deputy Probation Officer in that the latter is a sworn law enforcement classification with the peace officer authorities.

• Monitors assigned probation and/or Pretrial caseloads to ensure adherence to conditions of probation and/or Pretrial release.
• Interviews clients and/or criminal defendants, families, and others to obtain accurate and necessary information regarding criminal, social and/or relevant history; reviews arrest reports and other legal documents as needed to facilitate the interview process and to assist in identifying behavior patterns, home environmental problems, and other difficulties.
• Verifies information obtained from defendants and/or others by contacting references, researching available criminal justice databases, and/or contacting various criminal justice agencies as required; checks for local, state, and federal warrants; obtains California Department of Motor Vehicles history as necessary; interprets records as appropriate.
• Compiles, evaluates and assesses information obtained, including observed behavioral indicators that are relevant to eligibility for release; establishes defendant eligibility for release programs, makes recommendations to release defendants utilizing established criteria, legal requirements and educated judgment.
• Prepares complete and accurate reports, court/legal forms, summaries and/or other documents as required; prepares Pretrial packets and other files as assigned; prepares and obtains client/defendant signatures on various documents such as Promise to Appear and/or other forms; transports/transmits paperwork to the courts, criminal justice agencies, or other locations as necessary.
• Responds to inquiries from judges, officers, attorneys and other members of the criminal justice community regarding defendants; facilitates probable cause hearings with on-call judges.
• Schedules and/or notifies defendants for court appearances and hearings based on established calendars; may be required to appear or testify in court.
• Assists in the set-up, maintenance, monitoring of offenders released on electronic monitoring.
• Assists in performing investigations, collecting and gathering evidence, and reporting on findings.
• Gathers data and collects documents as needed for Deputy Probation Officers to prepare recommendations for the Court.
• Reviews probationer's reports and presents written and oral case facts to supervisor.
• Assists with home visits and truancy reduction programs with juvenile offenders.
• Contacts schools and/or employers to determine client's activities and behavior.
• Co-facilitates or assists in…