Probation Aide

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule. County Website

Under supervision, to investigate and make recommendations cases of adult law violators, juvenile delinquency and/or other court matters; conduct interviews of victims and others regarding these cases; make recommendations on a limited range of basic probation cases involving juveniles and adults; assist and monitor adults and/or juveniles on court-ordered and/or informal probation to ensure compliance with the conditions of probation; utilize appropriate probationary practices, including evidence based probation or other probation methods adopted by the State and/or County in attempting to reduce offender recidivism; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is an entry-level, non-sworn, para-professional trainee class for probation.  Incumbents initially work under close supervision and received 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 series, in that the latter class is assigned the full range of casework duties and is expected to work more independently.  Additionally, a Probation Officer classification requires a bachelors degree.

REPORTS TO

Probation Division Director, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Chief Probation Officer

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory class. 

Essential Duties: 
Assist in a wide variety of probation activities involving field and administrative work; prepares recommendations and reports regarding juveniles and adults for the Superior Courts; supervise a limited caseload of probationers; collect and store urine samples make routine investigation of probationers background including family history, education and employment; discuss failure to meet probation requirements with clients; transport offenders; ascertain problems and take appropriate action to prevent potential delinquencies; performs crisis counseling as necessary; conducts pre-sentence investigations and prepares requisite reports; interviews offenders, victims, arresting officers, parents, relatives, school officials, and other persons regarding juvenile and adult offenders; evaluates psychological information and reports, making assessments for appropriate placement of juveniles; conducts individual and group counseling; may prepare special reports; represents the Probation Department before the courts, presenting  detailed oral arguments and position statements; assists the District Attorney's office with handling juvenile court hearings; prepares and submits reports regarding termination of probation, expungement, bail  reduction, and bail consideration; makes financial arrangements for the collection and distribution of fines, restitution, and foster care payments; coordinates probation casework assignments with other County staff, community agencies,  and other government agencies.

Knowledge of: 

• Basic human behavior.
• Basic criminal justice structure and system.
• Individual and group counseling techniques.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Community resources available to probationers.
• Crisis intervention.

Desired Skills:

• Analyze behavior patterns.
• Exercise sound judgment in assessment and treatment of probationers.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance.
• Cope with hostility and aggressive behavior.
• Prepare concise and clear reports.
• Apply evidence based probation practices including: motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral programming, risk assessment tools, assessment of offender criminogenic needs, and evidence based caseload management.
• Maintain records.
• Communicate with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Drive an automobile to transport adults and juveniles.
• Effectively represent the Probation Department in contacts with the public, other County staff, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

-One to two years of previous experience in working with juveniles and adults in a Probation, law enforcement/Social Services or like field, which included substantial public contact

OR

-six (6) months of experience in a clerical/public service position which included exposure with court or probationers or a related field processes AND completion of college coursework from an accredited college or University.

-An Associate's Degree from an accredited college in a related field is highly desirable. 

Special Requirements:

-Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
         
-The County of Siskiyou is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace.  As a condition of employment, applicants are required to undergo and pass drug and alcohol testing, psychological examination, and a medical examination prior to employment.
 
-Appointees must pass a criminal history and background check, and, pursuant to California Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony will disqualify you from an appointment. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to climb, stoop, crouch and kneel; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance; reach and lift objects above shoulders; physical ability to sustain extra physical effort for a substantial period of time to defend self and deal with violent/aggressive  persons; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, FAX, and other related peripheral equipment such as printer and scanners.
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, courtroom, and outdoor environments; work is performed in varying temperatures; some work is performed in confined and noisy areas; continuous contact with other staff and the public, and driving a vehicle in all types of weather conditions.