Probation Officer

Overview

PROBATION OFFICER I – Probation Department. Probation Officers may be assigned to work in either the Juvenile or Adult Division. The Department aims to improve community safety through offender rehabilitation, cognitive restructuring, and accountability. Officers learn methods of conducting field work safely as well as delivering evidence‑based cognitive behavioral interventions targeting an offender’s specific needs.

• Probation Officer serves as a peace officer and provides supervision, enforcement of court‑ordered conditions of probation, and case management to youth and adults who have been granted probation by the Juvenile or Criminal Courts.
• Conduct risk and needs assessments of offenders and develop case plans.
• Conduct pre‑sentencing investigations and write Court reports with sentencing recommendations.
• Coordinate with service providers within the community and make referrals to rehabilitative services.

Probation offices are located in Eureka. Officers provide field supervision in all cities and unincorporated areas of the County, so travel during the work day may be required. Employees will regularly use a county vehicle to travel throughout the County to perform work.

The typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a 1‑hour lunch, with the option of an alternate 9/80 schedule upon request and approval.

Under supervision, performs intake and field probation duties for juveniles and adults; serves as a Peace Officer as described in Penal Code section 830.5; performs related work as assigned. Probation Officer I is an entry level class learning policies, rules and procedures;
Probation Officer II is the journey level class with broader responsibilities.

Key responsibilities for Probation Officer II include monitoring probationers, enforcing court‑ordered conditions, advising probationers and others, arranging rehabilitation and treatment placements, transporting individuals, crisis intervention, investigations of violations, reporting, court appearances, and coordination with law enforcement and community resources.

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of probation; sentencing laws and victims’ rights; applied psychology and behavior modification; applicable laws; community resources; methods of arrest and restraint; officer safety; effective interviewing; and adult/juvenile justice systems.
• Skill in assessing risks and needs of probationers; developing rehabilitation programs; interviewing in crises; compiling and analyzing information; using initiative and judgment; maintaining professional relationships; and writing clear reports and documents.

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license; some positions require a Class B license.
• Must be a U.S. citizen; must be at least 18 years old; must be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED or degree).
• Must meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Level I: complete required Penal Code training within 90 days and complete Core Course within 12 months;
  Level II: possess and maintain required certifications.

Probation Officer I:
Equivalent to graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, behavioral science, or related field. Probation Officer II: in addition, one year of probation experience at the level of Probation Officer I.

The recruitment process includes application submission through the county system, with examinations (written and/or oral) as required. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline. Examinations results are communicated by email. Selection may include additional screening, tests, and interviews.

Typical guidance on application duration, updating submissions, and checking status will be provided through the selection process. If you have questions, contact the County Human Resources.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is described in the job posting. Reasonable accommodations are available. The County is an equal opportunity employer. Some positions may require medical or psychological evaluations, licenses, or background checks. The probationary period and other standard employment terms apply. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract. The County reserves the right to modify the examination plan as needed.