County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to learn the fundamentals of probation work; to attend lectures and classes and make field visits; to assist in investigating and supervising a limited number of probation cases; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This trainee class is designed to facilitate the recruitment, orientation, and training of persons for probation work. Trainees become familiar with departmental policy, procedures, and methods, and are required to evince a high degree of aptitude for probation work and interest in it. Periodic evaluations of their performance are made and discussed with them. Upon completion of the program, incumbents of positions in this class may qualify by competitive examination for positions in the next higher class, Deputy Probation Officer I. Incumbents of positions in this higher class perform at the journeyman level in a variety of assignments involving adult and juvenile offenders, children’s cases, and foster home placements.

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 the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Attends organized training sessions and makes field visits to become familiar with the principles, practices, and theory of probation and of the functions of the Probation Department.

2. Reads assigned material and takes examination to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of pertinent codes and laws, the principles of probation work, and departmental functions, organization, and rules.

3. Observes, assists in, and makes investigations of alleged juvenile offenses; interviews juveniles and their associates, parents, and interested parties; develops interviewing and casework skills.

4. Observes and assists in supervision of offenders to attain skill in counseling, developing effective relationships, interpreting the conditions of probation, ascertaining the need for referral to other agencies, and other aspects of probation work.

5. Observes counseling techniques used with foster home parents and court wards.

6. Participates in Juvenile Hall activities; assists counselors, observes detainees, and becomes familiar with the operation of the facility.

7. Prepares investigation and supervision reports to develop verbal skills and to describe offender, circumstances of his offense, and his social history, and assists in developing recommendations to the Juvenile Court.

8. Assists in the delivery of legal documents, transportation of juveniles, and in arranging for medical, psychiatric, and psychological consultation.

9. Confers with supervisor and departmental training officer regarding his professional progress, ability, capacity, and interest in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with specialization in one of the social sciences.

Or II

Some acceptable combination of education and appropriate experience.

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:
• Usual causes of crime and delinquency.
• Elementary psychodynamics of behavior and modes of adjustment.

Ability to:
• Develop skill in interviewing, investigation, and casework.
• Exercise sound judgment in the assessment of personality traits.
• Write and speak effectively.
• Establish relationships with others.

Special Requirements:
• Must be twenty-one years of age.
• Willingness to perform work requiring irregular hours.
• Possession of an automobile may be required.
• Good driving record and ability to qualify as an insurable automobile risk.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: LS:rf
7-1-57
Revised 7/23/64
Prob
2/4/77
New document: Jobspecs/6105
ys/7/01