Assistant Probation Officer

Definition: 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. Incumbents in this class 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 Officer 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.

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.

• 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.
• Supervises juveniles to effect compliance with conditions of release and evaluates adjustments to home, school and community.
• Confers with supervisor regarding juveniles' progress and need for modification or revocation of home supervision status.
• Prepares case reports relating to disposition and progress of juvenile with recommendation for continuation, modification or termination of status.
• Maintains case folders, record of contacts and other records relating to cases.
• Makes arrests in those cases in which the juveniles violate the conditions of Home Supervision, as imposed by the Juvenile Court.

• Reviews files, unit logs, medication requirements and restriction sheets for background data and treatment guidelines.
• Provides care, custody and control of a group of juvenile offenders detained in a Probation Department facility.
• Monitors group and individual activities through supervision of work and play, and records significant observations of these and other group interactions.
• Counsels juveniles individually and in groups regarding behavior.
• Enforces order and the disciplinary policies and procedures of the institution.
• Writes behavioral and progress reports and other significant data on juveniles for department and court information.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and conducting recreational and leisure time programs.
• Teaches games and work skills.
• Supervises personal hygiene, cleanliness and housekeeping habits.
• Maintains security of the institution.
• Conducts body and room searches for contraband.
• Inspects equipment and facilities for damage and safety.
• Transports and escorts juveniles under custody conditions.
• Remains alert to potential problems and unusual behavior of juveniles.
• Responds to emergencies, including escapes and attempted escapes, and takes action to control disturbances and behavior problems of juveniles.
• Communicates juveniles' activities and observations to appropriate supervisors.

• Principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents.
• The growth, development, needs and problems of minors.
• Symptoms of behavior disorders.
• Applicable laws, rules, 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.
• Arrest procedures.
• Appropriate use of force and security techniques.
• Rights and liabilities of peace…