Probation Assistant

Job Description:

Probation Assistant

Description

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Under direct or general supervision, assists the Probation Department staff in a non-sworn position, technical duties associated with the monitoring of adult probation, mandatory supervision, post-release community supervision, pre-trial release; youth probation cases; and youth’s detained at the juvenile detention facility.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

When Assigned to Probation:

• Performs routine clerical tasks; makes appointments, records data, assembles and completes forms; maintains simple records on a computer; makes telephone calls to secure routine information; composes and prepares letters, memos, and brief reports.
• Monitors case management tasks, supervision cases, log calls, completes case notes, and prepares monthly reports.
• Conducts initial interviews, schedules appointments, and makes routine investigation of probationer’s background, including family history, education, and employment.
• Performs preliminary investigative work and data gathering by contacting law enforcement and other agencies for necessary information.
• Conducts urine or oral testing of offenders according to established guidelines and procedures; obtains and secures urine or oral samples; mails samples to testing laboratory; monitors and records results. May be required to testify in court regarding urine or oral testing activities.
• Prepares violation reports of probation offenders with approval from a Deputy Probation Officer.
• Assists in the transportation youth to and from court, resource homes, detention, and other locations. Assist in the transportation of adults to treatment facilities.
• Assists Probation Officers in use of computer programs to manage caseloads.
• Retrieves documents in the morning from California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and distribute as necessary; retrieves Keefe Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Jail inmate communication emails and inform assigned officer of request.
• Assists Probation Officers in installing electronic monitoring equipment on probationer’s ankles or wrists; explains to probationers how to operate equipment, including charging equipment; receives, inspects, and cleans returned equipment; monitors offender activity; receives non-compliance notifications/reports; contacts probationer as necessary, or refers violation to Probation Officer.
• Prepares and submits petitions to the court; sends order to appear and failures to comply.
• May be assigned responsibility as evidence technician for the department with responsibility for storing, maintaining, releasing, and accounting for all evidence in compliance with department policy.
• Compiles, investigates, verifies, and presents reports on personal, social, educational, financial, health, and/or prior criminal conduct and records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

When Assigned to Juvenile Hall:

• Staff intake office; monitors and facilitates the activities and movement of youth and staff throughout the institution via video surveillance system; monitor radio communications.
• Observes prescribed security measures and perform ancillary functions while staffing intake office; refer incidents and routine disciplinary problems to sworn staff.
• Monitors staff in making security checks of assigned areas in the facility via video surveillance system to safeguard the youth, building, and equipment against disturbances, fires, and other hazards.
• Schedules appointments, both in-person and virtual, for family meetings.
• Books youth into facility following prescribed procedures; process inmate discharges or transfers following prescribed procedures.
• Assists in the transport of youth to and from medical appointments, court, or other locations; assist in the transfer of youth to other facilities.
• Summons assistance in response to emergencies including altercations in unit, medical emergencies, and other incidents; maintain communications with internal staff and external emergency responders including law enforcement, fire suppression, and emergency medical responders; control access and egress in emergency situations.
• Enters and retrieve a variety of information from a computer; keep and maintain electronic and written logs of activities within the facility; may perform various clerical duties including collection of statistical data.
• Picks-up and delivers of meals from Jail to Juvenile Hall.
• Performs laundry duties as assigned.
• Responds to incoming calls.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Experience:

A minimum of six (6) months of progressively responsible related experience that includes clerical or public service experience in a position that included exposure to and experience with court terminology and procedure is preferred but not required.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Special Requirements:

Must be able to meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic interviewing techniques.
• General office procedures, policies, and practices, as well as basic knowledge of computer and other general office equipment.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Skills in:

• Locating, identifying, and correcting inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Using tact, sound judgment when dealing with probation clients or detained youth within established procedures and regulations.
• Communicating effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Following written and oral directions and instructions.
• Evaluating situations and responding appropriately.
• Preparing clear, comprehensive reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Effectively, tactfully, and courteously represent the probation department and juvenile hall with the public and other agencies.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Read and comprehend instructions, routine correspondence, and memos.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Learn the basic principles of adult and youth probation case work.
• Learn and apply the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to probation work and youth detention.
• Learn to perform drug testing and urine collection procedures.
• Read, understand, interpret, and explain the rules and regulations related to probation and youth detention programs and services.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, employee is the employee is occasionally required to sit stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push and/or pull, or move objects weighing up 50 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$47,070.40 - $57,220.80 Annually