Job Specifications

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

Under supervision, to investigate and make recommendations on a limited range of probation cases involving juveniles and adults; to assist in the supervision of probationers; and to perform other work as required.

This class is an entry-level para-professional trainee class for probation. Incumbents initially work under close supervision and receive on-the-job training in casework management, which includes referral, supervision, counseling and rehabilitation of individuals on probation. The Probation Aide class is distinguished from the class of Deputy Probation Officer I in that the latter class is assigned the full range of casework duties and is expected to work more independently. Incumbents are expected to gain the experience and expertise to be promoted to the Deputy Probation Officer I class within two years.

Assist in a wide variety of probation activities involving field and administrative work; learn the technique of investigating the social, environmental and psychological factors of juvenile and adult crime; supervise a limited caseload of probationers; counsel and guide juveniles on home supervision while enforcing the terms and conditions of home supervision; supervise and counsel juveniles on informal probation; make routine investigation of probationers background including family history, education and employment; discuss failure to meet probation requirements with clients; monitor the truancy program and appear in court regarding truancy issues; ascertain problems and take appropriate action to prevent potential delinquencies; recommend counseling programs for probationers; conduct initial interviews, set up monthly reporting, payment schedules and court ordered counseling for multiple offenders of driving under the influence (DUI); monitor compliance with terms and conditions of probation or diversion for clients on probation for DUI and clients placed on the drug diversion program; prepare routine violation or noncompliance reports; assist in managing a caseload of drug offenders on probation; collect and store urine samples, tests urine using a drug analysis machine, and record results; transport wards of the court and probationers to various locations; prepare and maintain case records, report statistical data; provide information to other County agencies; appear in court, as required; may supervise and train volunteers; attend meetings; input, access and analyze data using a computer; provide relief for other classifications as required.

Some knowledge of:

• Basic human behavior.
• Causes of delinquency and crime.
• Basic interviewing principles and techniques.

• Learn and apply the principles and practices of probation work and casework techniques.
• Interview persons from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds and obtain confidential information in a persistent, tactful and courteous manner.
• Learn and apply Federal and State laws and County ordinances affecting probation.
• Use sound judgment to assess problems and reach logical conclusions.
• Write clear, concise and objective reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Gather and analyze investigative materials.
• Orally present and explain facts and situations clearly.
• Learn to manage assigned caseload and to establish caseload priorities to meet legal and departmental requirements.
• Learn to use community resources.
• Learn to operate a drug-testing machine.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, case files and statistical reports.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer.
• Lift items weighing up to 40 pounds, such as boxes of computer paper from a vehicle.
• Perform physical duties such as car washing and raking leaves.

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Completion of 60 units from an accredited college or university with coursework in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work or other behavioral science or two years of experience involving the supervision, care or leadership of juveniles or adults.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: infections which might cause chronic disease or death; potentially hostile persons.

PREVIOUS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 05

Occupational Grouping: 68

Worker's Comp Code: 0285