Supervising Probation Officer

a supervising probation officer is the first level of supervision within the probation department. Supervisors are assigned a unit in either the adult or juvenile probation divisions. Supervisors are critical to the success of the department, as the field of probation is constantly evolving and supervisors lead their units through these changes. In assuring their units are meeting their performance expectations both qualitatively and quantitatively, supervisors are able to ensure the department provides the best service possible to our community.

Supervising probation officers are encouraged to adopt a coaching style of supervision, to maximize their staff ’s performance and job satisfaction.

a supervising probation officer is responsible for:

• assigning and monitoring the work of their assigned unit.
• participating on hiring panels and onboarding and training new staff .
• representing the department in meetings or work groups with other county departments and community based organizations.
• completing performance evaluations for assigned staff .
• reviewing data to determine where their unit is succeeding and identify areas for improvement.

under direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, reviews and evaluates the activities of a unit of the probation department; performs related work as assigned.

this class is the first supervisory level in the professional probation series. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and supervising an assigned unit. This class is distinguished from assistant chief probation officer in that the latter participates in the overall management of and has administrative responsibility for all county probation matters.

• plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises assigned probation programs and activities.
• participates in the hiring of assigned staff, recommending selection for management approval.
• evaluates employee performance, counsels employees and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• assigns incoming cases and reviews and evaluates staff work; trains probation staff in work methods and procedures; develops professional growth plans for probation staff.
• reviews court reports and case work to ensure compliance with laws and departmental policies; identifies problems and/or inconsistencies and recommends corrective actions.
• researches new legislation and court decisions relating to probation, identifies those situations impacting the department and advises others.
• participates in developing, planning and implementing departmental policies and procedures.
• receives, investigates and resolves complaints relating to juvenile and adult probation and juvenile detention.
• establishes and maintains contact with representatives of law enforcement and social service agencies involved with the department.
• conducts and attends staff meetings.
• represents the department in meetings with other agencies; testifies in court as required.

• principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, evaluation and discipline.
• principles, practices and techniques of adult and juvenile probation.
• applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification.
• principles and practices of adult and juvenile criminal and civil justice system.
• public and private community resources and agencies.

• planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of others.
• training staff in work procedures.
• assessing and evaluating the risks and needs of adult and juvenile probations.
• developing and monitoring rehabilitation treatment programs for probationers.
• interviewing in crisis situations and…