Job Description

The Probation department is seeking self-motivated, dedicated, professionals to fill the position of Deputy Probation Officer. In this role, you will be responsible for providing professional services to adult offenders involving the referral, supervision, counseling, and rehabilitation of adults on probation.

This is the entry-level class in the Deputy Probation Officer series. Incumbents work under close supervision while acquiring the knowledge and skills required of the journey level.

for the complete job description.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The ideal candidate will possess general knowledge of modern principles of adult and juvenile probation casework and related court procedures, principles and methods of investigation and supervision of probation cases, and knowledge of individual and group behaviors. Strong organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills are desired, as is the ability to motivate others. The willingness to utilize law enforcement equipment, make physical arrests, and work under stress and adverse conditions is desired. Also, we are seeking individuals with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with adult and youth offenders on probation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor\'s degree.

(Related work experience as a peace officer or involving the care, supervision, education, counseling, or leadership of adults or youths may be substituted for the required education).

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

A valid driver\'s license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver\'s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Satisfactory completion of the Board of Correction, Standards and Training for Corrections, for Group and Counselor CORE Academy within (1) year of appointment.

Must successfully complete the Laws and Arrest component of Penal Code 832 training within (1) year of appointment.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online. Because this is a continuous recruitment and can close at any time, prompt application is encouraged. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at .

For more information regarding the Probation Department, please visit our website at .

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

• An initial application screening and assessment will be conducted to determine if candidates meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• A mandatory written exam (online) and Physical Agility Test (PAT) will be administered for all those who meet minimum qualifications. Those who pass BOTH the written and physical agility exam will advance to next steps, as defined by the department.
• Finalists will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before being hired by the Probation Department.

Scheduled Online Written Exam Testing Windows:

• September 24, 2023 through September 30, 2023
• October 15, 2023 through October 21, 2023
• November 5, 2023 through November 11, 2023
• November 26, 2023 through December 2, 2023
• December 17, 2023 through December 23, 2023

Scheduled Physical Agility Dates:

• Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Written Exam: Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Adult Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Probation Officer Classifications. Study materials can be obtained via The Candidate Orientation Booklet on the BSCC website. This resource provides a helpful overview of the exam including sample questions. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the overview and sample exam ahead of the actual test date. This booklet is available online at:

PLEASE NOTE: If you have taken this exam with another agency in the last year, you may be eligible to utilize your score to waive the written exam portion of the recruitment process. Please contact Taj D\'Entremont at (805) 781-5609 or to determine eligibility.

Physical Agility Test (PAT): The PAT consists of four events. Each event is scored as a pass/fail and has time limitations. You must pass ALL four events below to move forward in the recruitment process.

- BODY DRAG: This event is meant to represent dragging someone who is physically incapacitated. It requires lifting and dragging a lifelike dummy that is lying on the ground and weighs approximately 150-lb. The dummy must be dragged 30 feet. This event must be accomplished in 30 seconds or less.

- WEIGHTED AGILITY RUN: This event will require you to walk briskly or jog through a 150-foot zigzag barrier course. This course will consist of three sharp turns. At the 75-foot mark, you will pick up a 20-lb weighted object and carry it back through the course. This event must be accomplished in 30 seconds or less.

- 550 YARD RUN: This test will simulate a long-distance run without obstacles. This event must be accomplished in 3 minutes or less.

- Fourth event to be determined

Since the events involve running, you can prepare for the test by practicing both short sprints and longer runs. The 550-yard run is equivalent to about two city blocks up and back. The other two events involve upper body strength. It is possible to condition yourself for these by doing push-ups and pull-ups.

Must be able to work a variety of shifts including irregular hours, weekends, and holidays.

BACKGROUND CHECK
To accept a position with the Probation Department, you must successfully complete a Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion. Please review the below list:

• Any felony conviction
• Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
• Poor employment history
• Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
• Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
• Use of Marijuana within the past two years
• Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
• Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
• Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
• Any crime committed against a child
• Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
• Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process

Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

County of San Luis Obispo