Chief Probation Officer

THE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Alameda County Probation Department is to support and restore communities by providing compassionate supervision and accountability to justice-involved youth and adults and provide preventive and rehabilitative services through evidence-based practices and collaborative partnerships. It is also committed to its vision of making communities the safest in the nation.

The Department provides its services through its four divisions:
• Adult Field Services Division - provides supervision and specialized programming to justice-involved adults and works closely with community partners to deliver effective services. The division also conducts investigations, prepares presentence reports for the court, and represents the Department on probation matters while yielding improved results for high-risk clients. 

• Juvenile Field Services Division - offers rehabilitative services to justice involved youth. Deputy Probation Officers serve in a number of roles, including youth advocate, case manager, and supervision officer. Many of the division’s programs, such as truancy and prevention services, focus on diverting at-risk youth from entering the juvenile justice system. Other programs address substance abuse, keeping youth active participants in their education, and reuniting families. 

• Juvenile Facilities Division - is comprised of the Juvenile Hall and Camp Wilmont Sweeney, both located in the City of San Leandro. The Juvenile Hall is a 24-hour secure detention facility that houses youth awaiting court. Juvenile Institution Officers supervise youth who receive various services, including academic programming, job training, medical care, and mental health services, among others. Camp Sweeney houses adolescent males who are ordered into the facility by the Alameda County Juvenile Court. The program model emphasizes personal growth and provides education, behavioral health, and drug treatment services. Recently, funds have been allocated by the County to construct a replacement for Camp Sweeney, which will be a campus-like facility that houses both male and female youth and offers comprehensive programming and services. 

• Administration Division - is comprised of a diverse array of units that support the efficient and effective management of the Department: Administrative and Financial Services, Administrative Support Services, Information Technology, Human Resources and Payroll, Training, Professional Standards, and the Volunteers in Probation (VIP) program. The Training Unit offers approximately 240 courses to sworn and non-sworn departmental staff on an annual basis and ensures compliance Alameda County, CA CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER with the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Standards and Training for Corrections. Together, these units enable the operations divisions to focus on their primary role of client supervision, services, and management. The Department’s annual operating budget of $153.8 million supports 682 employees, of whom 486 are sworn peace officers. In 2018, the Department launched the Five-Year Strategic Plan: Vision 2023 which aligns with the County’s Vision 2026 plan and reflects the Department’s commitment to making its communities the safest in the nation. For more information on the Vision2023 plan, please visit: https://probation.acgov.org/probation-assets/files/ Strategic_Plan_Vision.pdf. 

THE OPPORTUNITY
Alameda County is a highly respected organization known for its innovative achievements, and strong fiscal stewardship. For the next CPO, Alameda County seeks an experienced probation professional with an extensive background in leadership and collaboration, as well as a proven commitment to evidence-based practices. This person will have the ability to plan, monitor and execute programs.

The next CPO will embrace the opportunity to make positive contributions to the community he/she/they serve by achieving the following goals and objectives:
• Provide clients the tools for success through the use of evidence-based case management practices, including accountability measures designed to support positive behavioral change. • Join with community-based partners to establish effective services that promote client success.
• Provide all clients with services and opportunities to support stable living and to thrive.
• Provide opportunities for all clients to successfully transition home.
• Align caseload and workload size to maximize client success.
• Consistently apply core correctional practices.
• Ensure that clients have access to a full continuum of services, including front-end diversionary and restorative opportunities.
• Ensure a family-centered approach to all client services.
• Develop and implement key strategies that address the needs of a workforce in a post-COVID-19 workplace environment.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, motivated and able to inspire action in others. The ideal candidate will be an inclusive manager and will bring outstanding managerial, interpersonal, and creative problem-solving skills to the Department. The selected candidate will have outstanding communication skills and be able to foster and maintain relationships with the unions, community and other stakeholders. Lastly, this person will take pride in leading the Department in continuing to strive for strategic goals, making positive impacts and building a high performing workforce to serve the community in years to come.

The Chief Probation Officer (CPO) is an at-will Department Head appointed by the Board of Supervisors who reports through and receives overall policy guidance from the County Administrator.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to apply click the thumbnail below to view the recruitment brochure.



Link to the above recruitment brochure:
Alameda-County-CPO-Profile-FINAL.pdf (alliancerc.com)

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,

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
• 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
• 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.

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: 

• A person appointed to a position in this classification in the Probation Department must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship at least one year prior to his/her application for employment.
• 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.

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.

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply on-line by March 4, 2022 at www.allianceRC.com. For questions, inquiries or candidate recommendations, please contact: Sherrill Uyeda or Cindy Krebs

COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is within an established annual range of $200,616.00 to $260,790.40 and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. In addition, 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. 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 with County Contribution)
• Employee Retirement Plan (401a Plan with County Contribution)

For your Work/Life Balance

• Car Allowance
• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, etc.)
• 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.