DEPUTY PROBATION CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I

PROBATION

The Orange County Probation Department assists the criminal justice system in Orange County, California by making a safer Orange County through positive change. Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of three bureaus – Adult Operations, Juvenile Operations, and Administrative Services – serves the community using efficient and research supported corrections practices to reduce crime, assist the Courts in managing offenders, promoting lawful and productive lifestyles and assisting victims.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I is an entry level class in the Deputy Probation Correctional Officer series formerly titled Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer and works under direct supervision. There is no permanent status in this classification. A Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I who passes a one (1) year probationary period, and after satisfactory job performance, will be promoted to Deputy Probation Correctional Officer II. Incumbents who are not promoted will have failed probation in this class. Incumbents are peace officers under the California Penal Code section 830.5.

The Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I for Probation will be responsible for the following:

• Providing direct supervisory responsibility for youth in 24-hour, seven-day a week secure and non-secure facilities
• Making periodic checks of rooms or units and recording safety checks and population verifications
• Conducting activities designed to assist in the resocialization of youth
• Observing and recording behavioral actions or disturbances; providing situational counseling to juvenile offenders if necessary
• Effectively de-escalating violent behavior and participating in the physical restraint of violent and assaultive youth when necessary; utilizing safety equipment and techniques such as chemical agents and restraint equipment in compliance with legal mandates and policy guidelines
• Logging and maintaining information related to unit activity, writing reports and maintaining files

Work hours may include a combination of days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Candidates selected for these positions will be required to attend an eight-week state-mandated academy, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will possess extensive professional work experience and/or knowledge in the following competencies in addition to the experience listed in the Minimum Qualifications:

Leadership and Teamwork

• Mentoring and training youth to ensure guidelines are understood and applied
• Conveying confidence and optimism in the unit's ability to overcome obstacles and accomplish its goals
• Monitoring youth activities and addressing performance issues
• Ensuring that clear, challenging and attainable goals are set for youths and that these goals are aligned with the goals of the unit
• Creating a positive environment in which youth and staff are motivated to do their best
• Showing a high level of care and thoroughness in handling the details of youth activities
• Conducting activities designed to assist in the resocialization of youth including individual and group counseling, facilitation of cognitive behavioral programs, engaging parents, drug/alcohol counseling, academic achievement, recreational activities, basic vocational training, assisting with emotionally distressed or self-destructive youth and obtaining psychiatric assistance
• Providing a positive role model and authority figure for supervised youths

Handling Conflict and Stress

• Promptly intervening in conflicts to facilitate communication and resolve problems, finding common ground when possible
• Recognizing when safety measures are compromised and calling the appropriate unit or staff for assistance
• Handling complaints and disputes with neutrality, composure, and tact
• Maintaining composure in the face of interruptions and distractions
• Maintaining focus and emotional control in stressful interpersonal situations and in unpleasant or extreme circumstances

Oral and Written Communication

• Clarifying group agenda, allocating time properly, summarizing key points, clarifying issues, identifying action items while facilitating unit and individual meetings with youth
• Picking up on nuances in tone and meaning and being attentive to non-verbal cues and body language
• Researching and investigating activities requiring a Special Incident Report and writing the information clearly and in an organized manner while using correct vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation
• Adjusting vocabulary and formality according to the audience and the purpose of the interaction
• Understanding the youths comprehension by seeking a response or asking for a paraphrase of meaning

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I classification.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Click here to learn more about the Physical & Mental Requirements and Environmental Conditions for the Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I classification.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services screens all application materials for minimum and desirable qualifications. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum and desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process.

Online Assessment (Multiple-Choice Test) | (Weighted 100%)
The department will administer the Juvenile Correctional Officer Exam, which is mandated by California's Board of State and Community Corrections. Candidates will be emailed instructions to self-schedule their exam appointment within a week of applying. There are no study materials available for this exam. Note: Correspondence will be sent via email and all candidates are encouraged to check their inboxes including spam/junk folders. 

Written Examination Date:

Second and Fourth Friday of each month.

Exam dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation.

Facilities Tour | (Refer/Non-Refer)  
The department will administer a 1-1.5 hour tour, which is required to move onto the next step in the process. This is an ideal opportunity to see our facilities, meet our employees, and gain a better understanding of the position. Please wear jeans or pants with polos, blouses or button down shirts, and comfortable shoes. No hats, shorts, tank tops, flip flops, or t-shirts will be permitted in the facilities.
 

Tour Date:

First and Third Wednesday of each month.

Tour dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.