Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the Probation Department including community corrections, juvenile institutions, the Tahoe branch office, food service and traditional probation activities; to coordinate activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the County Executive Officer and the Presiding Superior Court Judge.

The Director/Chief level recognizes classes with full responsibility for the administration of a County department.

Receives policy direction from the Presiding Superior Court Judge and administrative direction from the County Executive Officer.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned clerical, technical, professional, supervisory and management personnel.

• Develop, plan and implement Department goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Superior Court Judges, County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Department's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Probation Department's budget; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Administer the work furlough, work release, juvenile work project, electronic monitoring programs and other alternative correctional programs.
• Administer the food services program for correctional facilities within the County.
• Represent the Department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Work closely with other criminal justice agencies in joint planning and policy development both within and outside of the County.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in the probation and corrections field, including four years of administrative and management responsibility.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, probation services or a related criminal justice field.  A Master's degree in any of these areas is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• Must successfully complete 160 hours of instruction in the STC Management/Administrator Course within four years after being appointed to this position with a minimum of 40 hours per year of instruction in the Standards and Training for Corrections Management Course certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
• Must maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Training required under Section 832 of the Penal Code (Search and Seizure) must be successfully completed within 90 days of employment.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of probation and corrections programming as applied to a multi-function Probation Department.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Causes, control and treatment techniques of crime and delinquency.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Community resources in the field of corrections.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the Probation Department.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve Department related issues; remember various personnel rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means.
• Develop and implement Department policies and procedures.
• Interpret and apply laws, judicial decisions, rules and regulations to the operation of the Department.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Successfully develop, control and administer Departmental budget and expenditures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply County policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.