Deputy Probation Officer I

Salary : $77,209.60 - $104,083.20 Annually
Location : Central Orange County
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 7405PS-0526-057 (O)
Department: Probation
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

CAREER DESCRIPTION
Deputy Probation Officer I
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of 5 business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) when the needs of the County are met. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list. This list will be used to fill current and future Deputy Probation Officer I positions.

DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER I
This is the entry-level class in the Deputy Probation Officer series. The scope and direction of the training varies depending upon the incumbent's mastery of the training assignments and materials as related to probation work. Incumbents work under close supervision, and it is anticipated that incumbents will progress to the Deputy Probation Officer II class by the end of their first year of service. Failure to do so may impact Probation Officer status and/or County employment.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Deputy Probation Officer I for Probation will be responsible for the following:

• Investigate circumstances of offenses by adults or juveniles; prepare court reports and make recommendations for the appropriate disposition of cases.
• Conduct office and field interviews with adult and juvenile probation clients, parents, collateral sources, victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and other appropriate individuals to obtain pertinent information relative to a case.
• Supervise adult and juvenile probation clients; counsel clients on conditions of probation and the need for progress toward rehabilitation; monitor compliance with the conditions of probation; record periodic reviews of probationer's progress in case files and recommend follow-up action as appropriate; investigate violations of conditions of probation and prepare a report for the courts.
• Represent the Probation Department before the courts and act in a liaison role to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, other County agencies/departments, and private collateral treatment resources staff in enforcing court orders, community protection, and assisting in the resocialization of offenders.
• May restrain an adult or juvenile for the purpose of arrest and/or detention.
• May conduct searches pursuant to arrest or court order.
• Utilize risk assessment tools to determine the appropriate level of supervision for juvenile and adult clients.
• Conduct assessments to identify criminogenic needs and tailor supervision strategies to address these needs.
• Implement strategies that are responsive to individual learning styles and consistent with evidence-based practices.
• Develop individualized case plans based on the client's specific risks/needs.
• Collaborate with service providers, treatment agencies, law enforcement, and community-based organizations to ensure clients have access to the necessary resources for rehabilitation.
• Make appropriate client referrals to treatment programs to address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.
• Acknowledge and respond appropriately to clients who have experienced trauma, incorporating trauma-informed practices that prioritize safety, trust-building, and empowerment in the probation process.
• Plan and present training lectures to peace officer trainees.
• May oversee the activities of volunteer staff.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess extensive professional work experience and/or knowledge in the following competencies:

• Technical / Professional Knowledge
  • Understands human behavior as it relates to the supervision of adults and/or youth
  • Recognizes and understands the laws, policies, and procedures pertaining to working with youth and adults
  • Leads, initiates, and implements cognitive behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices through programs, activities, and training for clients and their families to better develop their interactions with each other and society
• Building Trust / Adaptability
  • Interacts with peers, clients, and staff in an appropriate and professional manner representative of the County and Department goals and standards
  • Acts in a direct and truthful manner; maintains confidentiality, keeps commitments, and observes principles set forth in the Code of Ethics
  • Adapts well to changes in assignments and priorities
  • Adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles
  • Approaches change positively and adjust behaviors accordingly
• Work Standards / Planning and Organizing
  • Sets high standards and well-defined, realistic goals
  • Displays a high level of effort and commitment toward completing assignments in a timely manner
  • Works with minimal supervision
  • Is motivated to achieve goals and assignments
  • Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements
  • Determines the necessary sequence of activities needed to achieve goals
• Oral / Written Communication
  • Builds consensus amongst diverse groups for the purpose of meeting business objectives
  • Provides information in a clear, organized, and timely manner and varies style and tone to fit the purpose and audience
  • Demonstrates professionalism, diplomacy, and tact when interacting with both internal and external stakeholders, collaborative partners, law enforcement, and the Court
  • Prepares and produces written reports and evaluations
  • Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Peace Officer Status: These positions have peace officer status and may require the incumbent to be armed. All Probation Officers will be expected to participate in an ongoing continuum of force training program that includes control of aggression, tactical negotiation, de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics, and the use of pepper spray. Incumbents must successfully complete all federal, state, county, departmental, and required training and maintain qualification/certification standards. Candidates must meet all requirements for Peace Officer and Probation Officer status as prescribed by California Government Code, California Penal Code, and regulations established by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST).

Shift Work: Some positions may require working various shifts, holidays, and weekends. Incumbents may be required to work overtime.

Travel: A valid California Class C Driver's License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position. Proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

PEACE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS

• Be successful on the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) mandated test.
• Successful completion of a department interview.
• Successful completion of the Probation Department background investigation, which includes, but is not limited to, fingerprint check and psychological testing (current Probation Department employees may be required to update certain portions of their original background, such as fingerprint check and/or psychological testing, based on applicable status).
• Meet all medical clearance standards for vision/color vision/hearing required for California Peace Officer status/training. Vision and hearing tests will be administered to all candidates.
• Meet all medical clearance requirements for California Peace Officer status/training. Medical clearance evaluations will be administered to all candidates.
• Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or currently be on court-ordered probation (or have been within the last year).
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of hire (Applicants should be at least 20.5 years at time by the date of exam) and possess a High School diploma, General Educational Diploma (GED), or have passed a High School Proficiency Exam or equivalent.
• Show proof of having completed the required basic certified training specified for Peace Officer and Probation Officer status as prescribed by California Government Code, California Penal Code, and regulations established by the BSCC and POST. Training will be provided upon hire. New hires who possess PC 832 certification may not be required to repeat training if they provide a copy of their PC 832 certificate(s).
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to Government Code 1031, at the time of hire.
• Possess a valid Class C Driver's License. Employees in this class may be required to use personal vehicles and may be required to show proof of automobile liability insurance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click to learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Deputy Probation Officer classification.
Click to learn more about the special requirements for the Deputy Probation Officer classification.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Online Assessment (Multiple-Choice Test) | (Weighted 100%)
The department will administer the test mandated by California's Board of State and Community Corrections for this position. Candidates will be emailed instructions to self-schedule their exam appointment within a week of applying. No study materials are available for this exam.
Note: Correspondence will be sent via email, and all candidates are encouraged to check their inboxes, including spam/junk folders.

Written Examination Date:
First and Third Friday of each month (excluding holidays) beginning June 19, 2026.
Exam dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation.

The selection procedure listed above may be modified based on the Department's needs. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Eligible List
Once the assessment is complete, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

Email Notification
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact the Probation department recruiting at Recruiting@prob.ocgov.com

Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
Click for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
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INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your level of expertise during the selection process. Be as specific as possible and include all in