Deputy Probation Officer

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 8/1/25, 10/3/25, 12/5/25,
* 4/10/26, 10/9/26 (final)

Under general supervision the Deputy Probation Officer performs professional work in the investigation of adult offenders or juvenile court referrals; supervises probationers; participates in the institutional care, custody, treatment, and counseling.

• Principles and practices of probation work
• Principles of social and correctional case and group work
• Laws relating to criminal justice
• Causes of crime and delinquency
• Counseling techniques
• Interviewing
• Community resources available to probationers
• Principles of investigation and laws governing search and seizure and preservation of evidence
• Codes, standards and regulations governing care and treatment of juveniles in juvenile halls, camps, ranches or schools
• Crisis intervention
• Self-defense
• Arrest procedures
• Appropriate use of force and security techniques
• Rights and liabilities of peace officers

• Analyze behavior patterns
• Exercise sound judgment in assessment and treatment of probationers
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior
• Prepare concise and clear reports
• Maintain records
• Communicate with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably with a degree in social or behavioral sciences.

AND

Either:
One year of full-time paid professional experience in correctional work subsequent to the degree in a County, State or Federal probation, parole or law enforcement agency.

Or:
One year of social casework experience subsequent to the degree in a County State, or Federal agency.

Or:
One year as an Assistant Probation Officer (formerly Probation Assistant) with Sacramento County.

Or:
The equivalent of one (1) year as a Probation Aide (On-Call) with Sacramento County.

Note:

If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements. To compute full-time equivalency of On-Call experience: 173.6 hours = 21.7 days = 1 work month.

Note:

If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

Compliance with Government Code:
Incumbents appointed to this class shall meet the minimum standards set forth in California Government Code, Section 1031.

Criminal History and Background Check:
Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, and pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment. Pursuant to Sacramento County Civil Service Rules, candidates found to have been convicted of a felony will be disqualified.

Certificate Requirement:
Completion of required P.O.S.T. training for Probation Officers as specified in Section 832 of the Penal Code within one (1) year after appointment as a Deputy Probation Officer.

Arming:
Some assignments within the Probation Department require the willingness and capability to be armed. Authorization to carry a weapon while on duty requires a psychological examination confirming fitness to be armed as well as the successful completion of force and weaponry training as required 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 probationers which requires strength,…