The Probation Department is currently hiring for a
Deputy Probation Officer
Selected candidates will be hired at Step 1 $81,660.80 of the salary range. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
Deputy Probation Officer is a sworn peace officer classification that offers an opportunity to serve the community, promote public safety, and help individuals make positive and lasting changes. Deputy Probation Officers work in a variety of assignments and environments throughout San Diego County based on the operational needs of the Department.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision Statement: Enhancing the safety of our communities through restoration and rehabilitation.
Mission Statement: Highly skilled professionals promoting safer communities through engagement and connecting individuals to the highest quality of services, while balancing opportunity with accountability.
About the Position
Deputy Probation Officers act as change agents, balancing support, and accountability to perform probation casework, provide preventative and rehabilitative services to adult and juvenile clients that is trauma informed and supports family and community engagement in the field and institutional settings while determining a client’s risks, needs, and strengths in an effort to produce sustained reductions in recidivism.
Depending on assignment, Deputy Probation Officers may work in juvenile institutions, field and community supervision, investigations, court-related functions, reentry services, or other specialized assignments. Responsibilities may include supervising and engaging clients, preparing reports and case documentation, conducting assessments, supporting rehabilitative programming, connecting individuals and families to services, responding to behavioral and safety concerns, collaborating with justice and community partners, and performing peace officer duties consistent with the assignment.
Assignments are determined by Department operational and staffing needs and may change throughout an employee's career. Newly hired Deputy Probation Officers should be prepared for the possibility of an initial assignment in a juvenile institution.
Minimum Qualifications
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Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment; AND,
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A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Note:
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Special working conditions apply see "Condition of Employment" section below.
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Successful background investigation prior to offer see "Background Investigation" section below.
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A degree in criminal justice, psychology, or social work is highly desirable.
For more information on this job description, please visit the Deputy Probation Officer job classification page.
Background Investigation
Incumbents must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates may be subject to a background investigation which may include a truth verification or other examination or test.
Positions in this classification are sworn Peace Officers and must meet employment guidelines and standards established by the Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Criteria that may impact your application process include:
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Be 21 years of age by the time of appointment.
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Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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Pass criminal and personal background investigation (felony convictions are disqualifying; misdemeanors may be disqualifying), truth verification examination, and psychological and medical evaluation which includes drug and alcohol screening.
Because this is a sworn peace officer position, candidates should understand that the background investigation is comprehensive and may require the disclosure and verification of personal history information consistent with applicable legal and POST requirements. Candidates are expected to demonstrate honesty and candor throughout the hiring process.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting), a Computer Voice Stress Analysis, a pre-employment medical screening and psychological evaluation prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Deputy Probation Officer assignments are based on Department operational needs. Candidates should carefully consider the working conditions and range of potential assignments described below before applying. Specific assignments are determined based on Department operational needs and may not be identified until later in the hiring process.
Probation officers must be available to:
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work office, field, and/or institutional assignments throughout the County of San Diego;
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work regular and rotating shifts which include day, swing and/or nights as well as weekend and holiday shifts at any probation facility in the County of San Diego;
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work with adult and juvenile clients that may pose a risk to the community;
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work in secure juvenile institutional environments when assigned;
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engage with and supervise individuals while maintaining appropriate safety, security, and professional boundaries;
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respond effectively to emergencies, behavioral incidents, conflict, and other challenging situations consistent with Department training and policy; and
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accept changes in work location, schedule, shift, or assignment based on Department operational needs.
Important Assignment Information
Newly hired Deputy Probation Officers should be prepared for the possibility of an initial assignment in a juvenile institution. Institutional assignments may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. Future assignments and transfers are based on Department operational needs and applicable policies and procedures.
Regardless of assignment, Deputy Probation Officers are expected to support the Department's mission of promoting safer communities through engagement, connection to quality services, rehabilitation, and accountability.
This position may require carrying a weapon and meeting certification requirements.
Certain assignments may require employees to carry a firearm and successfully complete and maintain all Department-required training, qualification, and certification requirements.
Hiring Process and Timeline
Qualified applicants will be invited to the first step of the selection process, which is a written examination. Invitations to participate in the examination will be determined by the responses provided on the supplemental application form through an automated evaluation system.
Probation will host a monthly exam on an as-needed basis until all vacancies are filled.
Applicants will be notified of time and location of the exam via email ten (10) days prior to the written exam.
The written multiple-choice exam will consist of multiple-choice questions designed to measure the following areas:
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Basic computer terminology and use
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Written communication
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Reading comprehension
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Basic mathematics
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General probation knowledge
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Judgment and decision making
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Behavior and counseling
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Group dynamics/conflict resolution.
Applicants passing the exam, will be invited to continue in the hiring process. Start date(s) are based upon the successful completion of a background investigation, pre-employment screening, and established start dates. For more information about the medical screening process, please watch a video of the physical fitness requirements.
Candidates should be prepared to meet the physical and operational requirements associated with a sworn peace officer position and the assignment for which they are selected.
Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire. If you are not selected, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Evaluation
The evaluation process for Deputy Probation Officer will include an automated review of supplemental application responses to determine exam eligibility and a written examination weighted 100%.
Applicants who are successful in passing the written examination will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received from the written exam.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)(Download PDF reader).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
