County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Chief of Policy and Standards Compliance, this position is responsible for coordinating department-wide policy development and practice; legislative analysis; supporting the department’s strategic planning efforts; leading the development of complex departmental initiatives and programs; directing and coordinating the activities of the Policy Development and Standards Compliance Unit; and, performing related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Assistant Chief of Policy and Standards Compliance position requires a high degree of organizational and communication skills, and intimate knowledge of operational processes unique to probation. The class of Assistant Chief of Policy and Standards Compliance is distinguished from the next higher level class of Chief of Policy and Standards Compliance in that the former provides first-line supervision, and day-to-day direction, to Policy Development and Standards Compliance Unit staff, while the latter has overall responsibility for the unit and serves as the primary policy liaison with all internal and external stakeholders.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in this classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Manages the development of policies and procedures for all aspects of the Probation Department as a result of the enactment/amendment of legislation, operational necessity, and/or local, county, state, or federal mandates.

2. Manages the preparation and coordination of the meet and confer process with various bargaining units in collaboration with Executive Management and County Labor. Prior to each meet and confer, coordinates and meets with staff who will participate in order to develop negotiation strategies and to assess potential labor concerns.

3. Consults with subject matter experts, Executive Management, County Labor, County Counsel and/or Risk Management for input on proposed policies and procedures.

4. Provides direct supervision to staff within the Policy Development and Standards Compliance Unit. Supervision encompasses ensuring staff receive necessary training and feedback through regular job performance evaluations, assigning and monitoring workloads, providing feedback, and handling disciplinary matters as necessary.

5. Tracks and responds to court-ordered remedial plans, internal and external audits and out of compliance notifications; proactively identifies risks requiring corrective action in the form of policies, procedures and/or training in an effort to avoid significant liability and negative external exposure.

6. Confers with management and provides technical advice on the potential impacts of new policies or revisions, and ensures the smooth functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures.

7. Assists in obtaining and maintaining necessary accreditation for the Probation Department’s juvenile institutions and field operations through policies, and provides executive policy advice related to pending legislation.

8. Monitors bills of departmental interest, represents the department on legislative matters, responding to inquiries from state legislators and county elected officials, and coordinates responses arising from legislative matters.

9. Responds in writing to letters, assignments and reports.

10. May act as the lead policy liaison for the department in the absence of the Chief of Policy and Standards Compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (180 quarter or 120 semester units) in Social Welfare, Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field.

And

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time, professional level experience in policy analysis and creation, and/or program administration, within a probation or parole setting, one year of which must have included supervision. (Note: The combination of training and experience must clearly demonstrate possession of the required knowledge and abilities.)

License: A valid California Motor Vehicle license is required.

Special Requirements:

• Successfully pass a peace officer background investigation, psychological, and medical examination.
• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license and a good driving record according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles negligent operator guidelines and qualification for automotive insurance.
• Any felony conviction is disqualifying.
• As a condition of employment use, maintain, carry and qualify with approved department firearms.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Research, analytical and data collection techniques.
• Principles and practices of project management, criminal justice, and evidence-based practices related to community corrections.
• Principles and practices of management, supervision, and training.
• Probation department structures and entities (i.e. adult, juvenile, facilities, etc.)

Ability to:

• Review and analyze a variety of technical review comments on projects and policies and recommend appropriate action.
• Establish, balance and adjust priorities.
• Promote a customer-oriented approach toward meeting the needs of the community, our clientele, stakeholders, and the Probation Department.
• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written communications.
• Prepare a variety of narrative documents including policy statements, management reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before, and facilitate, small and large groups.
• Establish standards and evaluate performance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, and local government, other County personnel, and the public.
• Resolve operational and procedural problems and conflicts.
• Respond effectively to a variety of changing situations.
• Effectively utilize a firearm.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.