County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under appointment by the Board of Supervisors and reporting through the County Administrator, provides leadership and plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and reviews the policies, programs, activities, and operations of the Probation Department; oversees administrative, functional and programmatic activities through subordinate management staff; advises County executive leaders and governing bodies; solicits community cooperation and support for probation and related programs; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single person class responsible for conferring with, advising and making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator and various commissions. Direction is exercised through subordinate managers who have direct programmatic or staff services support responsibility, whereas the Chief has overall responsibility for the planning and operation of the agency, its programs and all related matters.

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. Plans, organizes, directs and oversees the activities, continuing work, and special projects of the Probation Department; formulates administrative and operational policies and procedures; and monitors and evaluates staff and department performance through the delegation of responsibility to appropriate subordinates.

2. Directs the research, analysis, and formation of short and long term strategic plans, programs and services consistent with approved Board of Supervisor policies and goals.

3. Leads organizational change, restructuring, or program development initiatives; and collaboratively confers with the Juvenile Justice Commission, Board of Supervisors, and other stakeholders.

4. Directs, through subordinate managers, the appointment, dismissal, transfer, or promotion of personnel; and directs a comprehensive training and staff development program for the Department.

5. Oversees and provides direction to prepare and administer the annual budget; reviews and evaluates administrative and financial services; establishes and maintains budgetary controls over expenditures and disbursements, use of equipment, office space and staff; and anticipates future resource needs.

6. Directs the department's resource development efforts in developing innovative probation and/or correctional programs, grant applications, and projects.

7. Directs the preparation of reports, including graphic and statistical information and recommendations for probation and/or correctional activities and other matters submitted to the Board of Supervisors and various other stakeholders.

8. Works with other jurisdictions and other County departments to promote coordinated and comprehensive probation services and programs; keeps informed of the activity of related agencies; works with community groups and civic organizations to promote interest in and support of probation programs; and attends and speaks at meetings and otherwise provides information to the public.

9. Represents the Probation Department at meetings with County administrative officials, members of the Board of Supervisors, legislative bodies, boards, commissions, and various community groups and other organizations.

10. Keeps informed of current trends, concepts and practices in probation and/or correctional development; reads professional literature; maintains appropriate professional association memberships; and participates in and makes presentations to professional associations.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to human services administration, such as Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Welfare, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or Public Service Management. 

 

AND

 

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience at the level of Assistant Chief Probation Officer, or in an equivalent or higher level Probation Department classification in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of seven years of full-time increasingly responsible supervisory administrative or managerial experience at the level of Program Manager – Probation or an equivalent or higher level classification, which involved the supervision of a major staff support program or program division in an organization associated with the delivery of services in the fields of Probation, Corrections or other justice programs and services. A Master’s degree in a directly related field may be substituted for two years of the required supervisory experience.

Or III

Experience:

Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.

AND

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California Class “C” Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and a good driving record according to DMV negligent operator guidelines and qualifications for automotive insurance. Possession of an automobile may be required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must meet all minimum standards for Peace Officer under Section 1031 of the Government code which includes:

Applicants are not required to be a US citizen, but must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. (Per SB 960)

Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointments.

Graduated from high school, attained a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or passed a California high school proficiency examination.

Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.

Found free from any physical, emotional or mental condition, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with the California Government Code.

Within the prescribed time limit after date of appointment, satisfactory completion of training for probation officers as specified by the California Board of Corrections, Peace Officer Standards and Training PC 832 and any other training required under law.

Any felony conviction is disqualifying, except if granted a full and unconditional pardon from the felony conviction.

Willingness to perform work requiring irregular hours, holidays and weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must satisfactorily pass a thorough medical examination for Peace Officers and a psychological evaluation before job placement can take place. Employees currently employed in the Alameda County Probation Department, who hold a Peace Officer classification, will not have to complete a psychological evaluation in order to be eligible for appointment.

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:

• Principles and practices of the role, function, responsibility and authority of a County Probation Department.
• Federal and state regulations impacting the delivery of probation services including the Welfare and Institution Code, the Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Government Code, State Legislation, Peace Officer Bill of Rights, and other laws and regulations relating to probation operations.
• Structure and functions of County governing and administrative systems.
• Public administration, organizational development, and modern management theories, principles and practices including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, fund development, reimbursement claiming, and contracts administration.
• Community resources and current alternative sentencing and treatment trends in the field of professional probation, parole and correction services which include juvenile detention.

 

Ability to:

• Make policy recommendations on new or proposed Federal and State legislation and assess and report on the impact to the Department's operations.
• Properly interpret and make sound and strategic decisions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Analyze and evaluate information and data to recommend and apply effective problem solving techniques.
• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the execution of short and long-range plans for an urban probation department.
• Develop, control, administer and advise governing bodies on the Department's policy making, programmatic, operational and financial activities.
• Remain flexible and adapt quickly to a politically charged and changing environment.
• Represent the County under varying circumstances and prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.
• Maintain good public relations by being sensitive to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Alameda County's workforce, residents and clientele, responding to identified needs, advocating for customers and clients, stimulating community interest, and promoting partnerships in the delivery of all probation programs and services.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the County's mission, vision and values, and learn and adapt to the County's culture, operations, organizational structure, management philosophies, and workforce needs.
• Lead in a manner that is visionary, strategic and innovative when working towards change in a large, complex and changing urban probation department.
• Collaborate with other agencies and departments to meet overall county-wide needs while leveraging financial and other resources wisely.
• Use business acumen to build a strong organization which delivers results.
• Provide the highest level of service delivery to diverse customers.
• Use interpersonal and communication skills effectively and demonstrate strong writing skills by preparing clear, concise and timely reports and correspondence.
• Promote personal and professional growth for self and others.
• Work effectively as a member and leader of diverse teams.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

IB:lfm
Revised: 6/26/81
Retyped: 1/85
Old document: 0607h
New document: Jobspecs/6150
ys/8/01
CSC Date: 8/10/81
MM:pf Rev. 12/24/02
CSC Date: n/a unclassified
RE Dept. Head Project 3/2012

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.