Probation Assistant - Limited Term

Probation Assistant

The County of San Luis Obispo Probation Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Probation Assistant.

Under general supervision, Probation Assistants assist the public, Deputy Probation Officers, Collections Officers, and other Probation Department personnel by performing a variety of administrative and basic case management support duties which may include a variety of public relations and technical work, and perform other related work as required.

This is a non-sworn classification responsible for performing a wide variety of routine clerical and administrative tasks to support probation and collection activities, receive on-the-job training in basic case management duties, and provide routine information and instructions to youth and adults on probation, families, and the public.

This recruitment is to fill a Limited Term, full-time position. Employees in limited term positions receive benefits equivalent to permanent full-time employees, therefore will be eligible to earn vacation, sick leave, health, and pension benefits. The sunset date for this position is June 30, 2027. This position is subject to Board of Supervisors approval in February 2026.

For more information regarding the Probation Department, visit the department website.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of basic concepts of community corrections; basic client interviewing, general counseling, and crisis intervention techniques; court processes and basic legal terminology; standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment, and general operation of computer equipment and software programs; record keeping principles and practices; developmental stages of youth, including parenting skills and conflict resolution methods;

cultural diversity; and effective communication and report writing skills.

• A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of college coursework; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (GED) certificate indicating high school graduation or its equivalent and two years clerical experience that included considerable public contact.

• A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application. A valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at  Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at  Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit the county website at

To accept a position with the Probation Office, you must successfully complete a Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion. Please review the list:

• Any felony conviction
• Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
• Poor employment history
• Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
• Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
• Use of Marijuana within the past two years
• Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
• Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
• Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
• Any crime committed against a child
• Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
• Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process

Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the…