Juvenile Institutions Officer - Lateral Transfer

Salary: $75,666.45 - $96,487.56 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-3841-01 (LT)
Department: Probation
Opening Date: 10/31/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
BEFORE YOU APPLY, PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION ON THIS JOB BULLETIN.
This recruitment is ONLY for lateral transfers from other California public agencies.
The County of Santa Barbara Probation Department is currently accepting lateral transfer applications for current regular employees of another public agency operating a personnel merit system in the State of California for the Juvenile Institutions Officer classification.
SALARY / BENEFITS:

Salary: $75,666.45 - $96,487.56 Annually, plus bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age of 2.
• For County benefits, please visit In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill full-time vacancies for the Juvenile Institutions Officer position at the Juvenile Justice Center, located in Santa Maria, California. We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill current and future vacancies at that location. Therefore, applicants must be willing to accept an assignment at the Juvenile Justice Center. It is required that you select the "Santa Maria" location on the application to be considered.

THE POSITION: Under direction, supervises, controls, guides, routinely counsels and motivates a group of youths in detention and/or treatment facilities; performs related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will possess
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
• Excellent command presence
• Good moral character
• Credibility
• Integrity
Examples of Duties

1. Orients, observes, supervises controls, motivates, counsels, and maintains headcount of youths in a detention and/or treatment facility; enforces disciplinary rules and policies of the institution/facility; delivers medication as prescribed; participates in individual, group, or crisis counseling and facilitates the application of certain programs and compliance with case plans.
2. Plans, organizes, and coordinates work project details, recreation, and leisure activities for youth detainees; ensures youths complete activities within allotted timeframes.
3. Observes and writes reports on the attitude, behavior, and adjustment of youth detainees; recommends intervals at which suicidal youths should be observed; and enters pertinent narrative and statistical information into computer programs.
4. Supervises youth and young adult detainees during showers in order to ensure hygiene and security; supervises youths and young adults in performing work details.
5. Receives and releases youth and young adults; may make intake and release decisions; contacts and informs parents/guardians of case status; supervises visits between parents and youths; supervises youths who are on alternative release status or on probation and living at home.
6. Redirects and/or physically restrains and/or redirects assaultive youths; secures and transports detained youth and young adults.
7. Participates in the development of case plans; participates in team meetings with youth/young adults and family members, schools, and mental health professionals to determine case plan objectives and treatment goals
8. Occasionally assists in the routine preparation and serving/distribution of meals.
9. May train colleagues in a specialized area of expertise; may train and guide Extra Help employees and volunteers.
10. May act as lead officer of a shift, as needed.

Employment Standards
To be eligible to laterally transfer from your agency to the County of Santa Barbara, you must have held permanent or probationary status in the classified service of a California public agency operating a personnel merit system, and meet the following criteria (per the Civil Service Rule 713 included below):

1. The Santa Barbara County job into which you are seeking to transfer possesses essentially the same or lesser minimum qualifications as the job class in which you held permanent or probationary status in your current/previous agency, and
2. You have been employed by the other agency within one year of the date the lateral transfer is approved, and,
3. You achieved permanent or probationary status with your current/previous agency as the result of a qualifying or competitive examination, and
4. You have performed satisfactorily and have not been separated nor are you being considered for separation because of misconduct or poor performance, and
5. Your current/previous agency submits information to Santa Barbara County which confirms that the required conditions have been met and that you are eligible for reemployment or continued employment in the class in which permanent or probationary status is held.

Please note that if a department head appoints an eligible lateral transfer applicant from another jurisdiction, the employee shall serve the required probationary period before attaining permanent status.

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards. Applicants will need to attach their unofficial transcripts to their application
In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications:

1. A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (Some examples of positions with relatable experience include: social workers, case managers, coaches, correctional officers, guidance counselors, behavioral counselors, development advisors, behavioral specialists, resource specialists, programs coordinators, teacher's aides, special education coordinators, camp counselors, youth leaders, psychiatric technicians, teachers, those with military service, and crisis intervention specialists); OR,
2. Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. -note that no degree is required, and job-related experience may be substituted for the required education.

Additional Requirements:

• Appointees must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031 including, but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined through a background check (this includes a polygraph examination); and no physical, mental, or emotional condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must have successfully completed "Core" training and an introductory law enforcement procedures program (PC 832), certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. Driver's license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently.
• All appointees must successfully complete 40 hours of intense, on-the-job training, which focuses on facility security and operations, psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adult offenders, and the growth, development, needs, and problems of minors.
• Some positions in this classification may require incumbents to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver's License. Appointees to those positions requiring a Class B license will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; once assigned, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.

Knowledge of: standard English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage; college-level report writing; standard computer applications used in an office; basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and percentages.

Ability to: read and comprehend material at college level; learn and apply psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adults; learn about the growth, development, needs, and problems of youth and young adults; gain the confidence and respect of youth and young adults; supervise youth and young adults; perceive, evaluate, and de-escalate or resolve tense group situations; make rational decisions; observe, recall, and document behavior; note behavior patterns and behavior changes for signs of potential problems; read, understand, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures; enforce rules while maintaining flexibility; counsel and motivate individuals and groups and provide support and control as needed; work with youth and young adults in an assertive, calm manner; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work well under pressure; work in a structured, regimented work environment; meet deadlines; maintain professional ethics; learn and follow County and departmental policies, goals, and objectives; drive safely and legally; work harmoniously with others; maintain confidentiality and impartiality; maintain professional demeanor even when dealing with hostile or abusive individuals; use a computer keyboard.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of: Adolescent psychology, juvenile justice, juvenile delinquency, counseling, basic knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Bilingual skills: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.
• Certificates: Possession of First Aid and CPR certificates. Possession of 832 PC and BSCC Core Certificates.

Supplemental Information

Incumbents must work in a structured, regimented work environment that includes working shifts, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents must enforce rules while maintaining flexibility and adhere to professional ethics in working with youth and young adults; wear required uniform; stand for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per shift); work outdoors in a varying climate; may perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

All candidates for the job of Juvenile Institutions Officer, Lateral Transfer must successfully complete the following:

• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver.
• POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation.

After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following:

• PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION is given by a psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of Juvenile Institutions Officer.
• MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointee is subject to a medical examination.
• Submit written documentation of his/her LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK in the United States.

The appointee must also satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

TO APPLY:
If after reviewing all of the information above you believe you meet the employment standards, please complete the following steps.

1. Click on the Apply link at the top of the screen and complete the online application and supplemental questionnaire. Your application must be fully completed to be considered. A resume is not required.

2. Print the Authorization for Release of Personnel Information Form and Lateral Transfer Information Request by clicking . You must complete the entire Authorization for Release of Personnel Information Form, the Lateral Transfer Information Request must be entirely completed by your agency Human Resources. We WILL NOT accept electronically signed forms.

3. Send the completed forms to your Authorized Public Agency operating in a personnel merit system in the State of California to complete the requested information and send the authorization forms AND Job Description to the County Human Resources Department within 14 business days of submitting your application. Forms must be sent directly from your agency Human Resources to us using the methods below:

E-mail:

Receipt of these documents along with the submitted online application will then be reviewed for Employment Standards.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, not all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to continue in the hiring process. Thank you for your interest in our department.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Recruitment open continuously, until positions have been filled.

Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

If you have questions regarding the recruitment not answered in this job announcement, please email Marisa Ortiz, Supervising Probation Officer at marreol@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand

02

The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed.

• I understand

03

I am a regular employee (or was a regular employee within 1 year of today) of another public agency operating a personnel merit system in the State of California as a Juvenile Institutions Officer.

• Yes
• No

04

Have you held permanent or probationary status with your current/previous agency?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you understand that your current/previous agency submits information to the County of Santa Barbara which confirms that the required conditions have been met and that you are eligible for reemployment or continued employment in the class in which permanent or probationary status is held?

• Yes
• No

06

I understand that I am required to print and complete an Authorization for Release of Personnel Information Form and Lateral Transfer Information Request, complete my required information, give it to my agency Human Resources to complete and then submit it WITHIN 14 BUSINESS DAYS along with job descriptions for all positions listed on the form to:E-mail: HR@countofsb.org

• I understand

07

To be considered for this position your application MUST meet one of the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS listed below: Please select which EMPLOYMENT STANDARD you meet to qualify for this position.

• 1) A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (Some examples of positions with relatable experience include: social workers, case managers, coaches, correctional officers, guidance counselors, behavioral counselors, development advisors, behavioral specialists, resource specialists, programs coordinators, teachers aids, special education coordinators, camp counselors, youth leaders, psychiatric technicians, teachers, those with military service, and crisis intervention specialists); OR,
• 2) Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. - note that no degree is required, and job-related experience may be substituted for the required education.
• None of the above - I do not qualify for this position

08

If you selected Employment Standard 1 provide your combination of training, education, and experience: A) Provide any work experience that is equivalent to the knowledge & abilities. B) Provide any training that is equivalent to the knowledge & abilities.
09

The following questions are characteristics that are REQUIRED of a Juvenile Institutions Officer. Please note that if you select "no" for any of the questions below this position may not be a good fit for you.

• I understand

10

I understand that this position requires me to supervise youth and young adults while they are showering.

• Yes
• No

11

Do you understand that you may need to physically restrain a subject if necessary?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing to work 12-hour shifts, such as 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you willing to wear a uniform in accordance with departmental policy?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you willing to work weekends and holidays (including Thanksgiving and Christmas)?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you willing to work with youth/young adults and staff from a variety of economic and cultural backgrounds?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you able to maintain confidentiality of information, such as arrest and conviction records, medical history, and mental health status?

• Yes
• No

17

Are you able to withstand verbal assaults without losing self-control?

• Yes
• No

18

Are you willing to perform CPR/First Aid on a person if necessary?

• Yes
• No

19

Are you willing to refrain from associating with justice-involved individuals in accordance with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department's Policies and procedures?

• Yes
• No

20

Are you willing and able to be honest in every part of the examination/hiring process?

• Yes
• No

21

I understand that as part of the selection process for Juvenile Institution Officer, I will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Once I have been given a conditional offer of employment and accept it, I will undergo a psychological and physical examination. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information listed above.

• I understand

Required Question