CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER (#SX9 )

$91.12-$122.09 hourly / $15,794.00-$21,162.00 monthly / $189,529.60-$253,947.20 yearly

Subject to legislative and administrative determination of policy, to plan, organize and direct the administration of the Probation Department which includes adult and juvenile supervision and rehabilitation, work furlough and delinquency prevention and control; and to do other work as required.

The Chief Probation Officer is appointed by the Judge of the Juvenile Court of Santa Cruz. Under administrative direction of the Superior Court and subject to policy guidelines issued by the County Administrative Office, and the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Probation Officer determines policy, manages personnel and budgets, develops programs and formulates operational objectives.

Plans, organizes, directs, manages, coordinates and evaluates programs for the probation department and juvenile hall in accordance with established laws, regulations and policies; develops, implements and evaluates program objectives and operations assuring that programs meet current County needs; reviews funding needs, develops the annual budget and controls program activities within budgetary limits; selects, directs and evaluates subordinate staff; coordinates policy and program requirements with the Superior Court, the Municipal Court, the County Administrative Officer, the Board of Supervisors and the Juvenile Justice Commission; develops new programs, obtains grant funding and directs implementation; coordinates with state and local welfare and criminal justice agencies; confers, advises and cooperates with community groups, advisory bodies and others concerned with Probation Department programs; confers with staff on special case situations; represents the department at state and local meetings and conferences; prepares and/or reviews and presents a variety of oral and written reports, records and documents.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of adult and juvenile probation and rehabilitation;
• Thorough knowledge of the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems;
• Working knowledge of the Federal and State laws, regulations and procedures affecting probation, detention and rehabilitation programs;
• Working knowledge of administrative management, budget preparation and fiscal control of an operating department;
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management, supervision and training;
• Some knowledge of basic community needs and public and private community resources.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate complex departmental programs;
• Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates;
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity, and sound judgment in analyzing and solving difficult administrative and personnel problems;
• Evaluate departmental policy and programs, define problem areas, develop and direct the implementation of policy decisions and practices;
• Understand and interpret to others the aims, concepts, principles and practices of the County's program of adult and juvenile supervision and delinquency prevention and control;
• Coordinate departmental activities with other departments and agencies;
• Effectively represent the Department to the Courts, the County, Board of Supervisors, legislators, and other officials and community leaders;
• Prepare, present and administer departmental budgets;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of persons contacted in the course of work;
• Interpret, explain and apply laws, rules and regulations;
• Present ideas, facts and recommendations effectively, orally and in writing.

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

Three years of broad and extensive managerial experience in probation or a closely related field.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.