SUPERVISING PROBATION OFFICER

CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS To supervise and coordinate the delivery of a wide variety of probation casework; supervise preventative and rehabilitative services to adult probationers and juvenile offenders in field and institutional settings; and to perform related work as required.

Supervising Probation Officer is the first-line supervisory level class in the series. Under the direction of a Division Chief, Probation , Supervising Probation Officers utilize evidence based intervention strategies and programs and are responsible for coordinating, directing, scheduling and supervising subordinate employees in field services, a special program, or an institution focusing on an offender's risks and needs in an effort to change behavior and reduce recidivism. Positions in this class are found only in the Probation Department.

Supervising Probation Officers are responsible for making decisions and ensuring that rules, regulations and policies of the Probation Department and State of California are appropriately applied and followed. Supervising Probation Officer differs from the next lower class, Senior Probation Officer, in that the latter is a lead worker who carries a caseload and/or provides direct preventative and rehabilitative services to adult and juvenile probationers, but is not responsible for supervising others. Supervising Probation Officer differs from the next higher class, Division Chief, Probation, in that the latter is a program manager responsible for several field units, a major program, or an institution.

The complete Deputy Probation Officer series includes the following:

Deputy Probation Officer (Class No. 005065)Senior Probation Officer (Class No. 005090)Supervising Probation Officer (Class No. 005115)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The examples of functions listed in this class specification are representative but not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive of any one position in the class. Management is not precluded from assigning other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Essential Functions:

Field Services/Special Operations

1. Assigns cases and reviews work in progress to ensure conformance with established time frames and departmental standards.

2. Reviews case management, including assessments, planning, linking, monitoring and advocacy for assigned juvenile and adult caseloads.

3. Trains and supervises subordinates on administrative and legal procedures, policies and other work-related information.

4. Identifies performance expectations for assigned employees, and conveys such expectations to subordinate staff.

5. Oversees employee performance and prepares performance appraisals.

6. Reviews and evaluates case histories.

7. Determines whether case plans and project operations comply with legal requirements and oversees changes to ensure compliance.

8. Ensures the use of risk and needs assessment instruments.

9. Appears in court and schedules and oversees court appearances of subordinates.

10. Interprets departmental policies for judges, law enforcement agencies and the public.

11. Prepares and reviews complex reports, letters, documents and directives.

12. May be called upon to act in the absence of the Division Chief, Probation.

13. May be required to perform the functions of the lower classes in this series.

Institutional Services

1. Assists in the planning, programming, and organizing of activities involved in the operation of a juvenile institutional facility.

2. Reviews and recommends operating procedures to ensure that remedial and preventative services are providing for the rehabilitation and treatment of offenders.

3. Serves as a shift supervisor over staff providing services to juvenile and adult probationers.

4. Trains, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate staff.

5. Identifies performance expectations for assigned employees, and conveys such expectations to subordinate staff.

6. Oversees employee performance and prepares performance appraisals.

7. Reviews case histories and ensures that treatment plans and court directions are followed.

8. Makes administrative and operational decisions in the absence of the Division Chief, Probation to ensure facility security and safety of personnel and detainees.

9. Prepares written reports, letters, and correspondence.

10. Reviews and updates operational procedures and policies.

11. May be required to perform the functions of the lower classes in this series.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
• Organization and operation of the San Diego criminal justice system including law enforcement agencies
• Responsibilities, functions and operations of the Probation Department
• Administrative and operational policies and procedures of the Probation Department
• Evidence based behavioral science principles and their application to casework
• Principles and methods of personnel supervision and training
• Principles and concepts of progressive discipline
• Community-based policing
• Familiarization between law enforcement and community residents
• Laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertinent to adult and juvenile detention and probation work
• Current trends and techniques of preventative/remedial services applicable to criminal justice programs
• Mission, values, goals, and objectives for the Probation Department of the County of San Diego
• Methods and techniques used to develop and implement performance measures
• Telephone, office, and online etiquette
• Current technology and trends in the profession
• County customer service objectives and strategies
• The General Management System (GMS) in principle and in practice

Skills and Abilities to:
• Plan, organize and direct the care and treatment of adult and juvenile probationers and wards in an institutional setting
• Direct, organize and supervise a unit, project and/or institutional operations and activities
• Train and supervise personnel
• Direct and control staff during emergencies and critical incidents
• Measure work performed by assigned personnel to determine if performance indicators or goals are met
• Convey departmental and service-specific performance measures to line staff
• Review, interpret, and evaluate written materials such as laws, legislation, reports, case histories, letters and other materials
• Conduct investigations
• Apply collaborative problem solving
• Prepare and provide testimony in court
• Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Treat County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect
• Assess the customer's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral
• Exercise appropriate judgment in various situations, including answering questions and releasing information
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Function calmly in situations that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy• Provides responsive, high quality service to County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner

Desirable Traits

Leadership, Communicates Effectively, Knowledge Worker, Holds Self and Others Accountable, Problem Solving and Innovation, Demonstrates Ethical Behavior, Leverages Resources (Coaches and Develops), Drives to Excel, Maximizes Team Effectiveness, Supportive of Change

Education and/or Experience

Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Required education/experience:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, AND,

2. One (1) year of experience as a Senior Probation Officer for the Probation Department of the County of San Diego.

NOTE:

Positions in this classification are Peace Officers as defined in Section 830 of the California Penal Code, and incumbents must meet employment guidelines and standards established by the Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), the provisions of Sections 1029 and 1031 of the California Government Code, and STC Selection and Training Standards as contained in Title 15, Section 100-358, California Code of Regulations. Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment.

Requires a valid Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) certificate and ability to carry a firearm are required and must be maintained throughout your employment.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

License

A valid California Class C driver's license, which must be maintained throughout employment in this class, is required at time of appointment, or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel. Employees in this class may be required to use their own vehicle.

Certification/Registration

Requires a valid Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) certificate and ability to carry a firearm are required and must be maintained throughout your employment.

SPECIAL NOTES

Working Conditions

Office environment; exposure to computer screens. Positions in this class will work in the presence of hostile, abusive, aggressive individuals and may be required to use physical restraint when necessary. Some positions in this class require working a variety of shifts (some lasting seven days), which may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Depending on assignment, work environment may involve working outdoors in inclement weather conditions.

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
• Vision correctable to at least 20/30; glasses/hard lenses minimum 20/100 uncorrected; no minimum uncorrected visual acuity for soft lenses
• Frequent standing, sitting, bending and stooping, twisting of waist, side-to-side turning of neck
• Fine finger dexterity to operate keyboards and writing materials
• Continuous upward and downward flexion of neck
• Identifying auditory inputs; identifying and distinguishing various visual and audio inputs; accurately identifying and distinguishing colors; accurately identifying and distinguishing the smell of different chemicals and materials
• Giving verbal commands in a loud, clear, and understandable voice
• Running fast for short distances
• Exerting physical force for minutes at a time
• Jumping across or over objects
• Climbing various structures
• Applying physical force against individuals
• Standing, walking, or sitting for long periods of time
• Lifting 150 pounds to waist level and dragging up to 200 pounds 50 feet

Background Investigation

Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test. Must be found by a licensed physician to be free from any physical, emotional or mental conditions which might adversely affect exercising the powers of a peace officer.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND CLASS HISTORY

Incumbents appointed to permanent positions in this classification shall serve a probationary period of 12 months.