What are the responsibilities and job description for the PROBATION AIDE position at County of Lake, CA?
General Recruitment Information
Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months). Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.
The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting. Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.
The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. Veteran’s Preference.
To apply for County examinations - All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County’s online application system. A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application. All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.co.lake.ca.us with a link to the online application. The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting. When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date. Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes. All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered – resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant. Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.
Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Benefits may vary between bargaining units. Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice. All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County’s pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.
Minimum Qualifications
Licensing and Certification:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
Completion of P.C. 832 Training must be achieved within one (1) year of initial employment.
Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time clerical or public service experience.
Exposure to and experience with court terminology and procedures is highly desirable.
Previous experience working with juveniles and adults, which included substantial public contact, is highly desirable.
Completion of sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with coursework in social welfare, sociology, criminology, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
Additional directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.
Full Job Description
PROBATION AIDE
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, assists probation department staff by performing a variety of routine casework support which may include basic investigations and assisting with monitoring a limited range of juvenile and adult probation cases; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an entry-level, specialized paraprofessional classification which is not classified as a peace officer. Incumbents perform a variety of routine support duties for probation staff. Incumbents create, gather, and distribute documents, files, and records, and may also conduct interviews to collect standard information and/or provide routine information and instructions to clients and families.
The Probation Aide is distinguished from the Deputy Probation Officer series in that the Probation Aide performs a more limited range of probation caseload monitoring, as well as provides support for Deputy Probation Officers. The Deputy Probation Officers perform the full range of professional peace officer duties and the full scope of cases.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from an assigned Senior Deputy Probation Officers, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, or the Chief Probation Officer. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
- Assists Deputy Probation Officers with performing caseload management activities, including reviewing cases, scheduling appointments, preparing information contracts, and entering progress notes in case files.
- Performs preliminary investigative work and data gathering by contacting law enforcement and other agencies for necessary information.
- Locates victims and gathers information regarding restitution.
- Conducts initial interviews, schedules appointments, and makes routine investigations of probationer’s background, including family history, education, and employment.
- Runs computer criminal investigation reports and DMV record checks of clients.
- Obtains fingerprints.
- Schedules and conducts program orientation for probationers.
- Explains probation programs and related rules and regulations.
- Assists probationers with completion of forms.
- Recommends counseling programs.
- Prepares and maintains case records.
- Collects and compiles data and prepares brief reports.
- Contacts probationers by telephone and home visits; locates probationers; discusses the failure to meet probation requirements.
- Assists in the preparation of routine violation of probation reports and orders to show cause regarding failure to pay court ordered fines, fees, and restitution.
- Obtains urine samples and maintains drug testing supplies.
- Preserves the chain of evidence.
- Assists with the transportation of juvenile and adult probationers to and from the court, as well as to out of County placements.
- Performs general office support duties, fieldwork, and administrative support assignments.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Basic interviewing techniques.
- General goals and purposes of the Probation Department, adult and juvenile probation programs, and the criminal justice system.
- Basic psychology of human behavior of juveniles and adults.
- Basic principles of criminology, juvenile delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse.
- Recordkeeping principles and practices.
- Basic principles affecting human behavior; basic causes of delinquency and crime; and basic interviewing and case management principles and techniques.
- Customer service principles and techniques.
- Written and oral communications skills.
- Proper English spelling, grammar, 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.
Ability to:
- Learn the basic principles of probation case monitoring.
- Learn and apply the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to probation work.
- Learn appropriate interviewing techniques.
- Read, understand, interpret, and explain the rules and regulations related to probation programs and services.
- Locate, identify, and correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
- Exercise sound judgment when dealing with probationers within established procedures and regulations.
- Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
- Follow written and oral directions and instructions.
- Think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations.
- Evaluate situations and respond appropriately.
- Prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
- Maintain accurate records and files.
- Meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance, and agility.
- Effectively, tactfully, and courteously represent the probation department with the public and other agencies.
- Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certification:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
Completion of P.C. 832 Training must be achieved within one (1) year of initial employment.
Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time clerical or public service experience.
Exposure to and experience with court terminology and procedures is highly desirable.
Previous experience working with juveniles and adults, which included substantial public contact, is highly desirable.
Completion of sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with coursework in social welfare, sociology, criminology, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
Additional directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field. As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.
Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Physical ability to sustain extra physical effort to defend self and deal with violent/aggressive persons; use of O.C. spray as necessary
A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).
Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.
The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.
RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS). CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees. The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.
HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.
VACATION – 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.
SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.
HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.
SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.
SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.
CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE – SDI is available to some County employees.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.
Agency
County of Lake
Address
255 N. Forbes Street
Lakeport, California, 95453
Phone
707-263-2213
Probation Aide
County of Sacramento -
Sacramento, CA
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Cumming, GA
