Santa Barbara County
POSITION
Deputy Probation Officer, Senior The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill full-time vacancies for the Deputy Probation Officer, Senior position in “ALL Locations.” We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill current and future vacancies at all locations, including the Juvenile Justice Center located in Santa Maria, CA (separate lists for different locations will not be established). Applicants must check All Locations on the application AND be willing to accept an initial assignment at any location. It is required that you select All Locations on the application to be considered. Some positions that may be filled by this recruitment have been vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CS Rule 1414) and the duration of those appointments shall be subject to the return of the individuals who are on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CS Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.
SALARY / BENEFITS
$91,551.20- $117,266.24 Annually, plus bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable. BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Vacation:
12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays:
12 days per year. Sick Leave:
12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan:
Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria:
Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. For County benefits, please review the County benefits information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. THE POSITION: Under general supervision, performs professional casework services for adult and juvenile offenders for the most complex or difficult cases; supervises, motivates, and rehabilitates adult and juvenile offenders; provides training to Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) and to Juvenile Institutions Officers (JIOs) and/or supervises juveniles in custody; provides technical guidance to junior staff members; assists the Deputy Probation Officer, Supervising, with supervisory duties on an as-needed basis in field services or assumes supervisory responsibility for assigned shifts within a Probation Institution; and performs related duties as required.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Strong written, and verbal communication Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness Excellent command presence Good moral character Credibility Integrity Performs supervisory function at the discretion of, or in the absence of the unit/institution supervisor. Provides mandated Board of State and Community Corrections training to JIOs/DPOs; serves as an instructor for training; provides training in self-defense, fire safety, life safety, and emergency procedures; provides de-briefing and training after significant incidents; and oversees on-the-job training programs for JIOs/DPOs. In the absence of the Deputy Probation Officer, Supervising: screens youth for placement; makes detention and release decisions; and makes decisions regarding medical issues and transportation. Oversees the development and coordination of staff schedules and programs such as indoor and outdoor recreation, vocational counseling, and behavior management; assists in the coordination and operation of programs such as early release, home supervision, weekend work project, house arrest, and volunteers. Conducts facility case audits, caseload reviews, traffic hearings and in-service training programs. Operates special programs for offenders. Reviews and signs Court reports or Worker Special Reports prepared by junior staff. Interprets departmental policies and procedures to staff. Represents the department at meetings and hearings. Cooperates with representatives of state and local social services and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest. Investigates and supervises the most complex or difficult cases. Interviews offenders, their families, and interested individuals to determine the nature of their environmental, employment, financial, or family difficulties. Formulates plans of probation and presents oral or written recommendations to the Court. Participates in facility treatment team planning sessions and ensures communication and execution of detainee treatment plans. Conducts group counseling sessions, motivates, and advises adults, juveniles, or their families about available community resources. Coordinates with community-based organizations and other County departments to implement health, cognitive behavioral, educational, and other rehabilitative programs. Makes arrests and conducts body searches as necessary and authorized; administers drug tests; handles special assignments; prepares petitions, violations, correspondence, case histories, and regular and administrative reports, and maintains Field Services/Institutional case files. Applicants are required to have the knowledge and abilities required for entry level Juvenile Institutions Officer and for entry level Deputy Probation Officer, and in addition must meet the employment standards in 1, 2, or 3 below: 1.
Possession of a bachelor's degree that included 27 quarter units or 18 semester units of coursework in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field that would provide the required knowledge and abilities AND: a) two years of professional probation experience in probation field services; b) four years of experience supervising juvenile detainees in a probation institution or other detention facility, including two years as a lead worker; c) two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Probation Officer, or two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior with Santa Barbara County; OR, 2.
Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field that would provide the required knowledge and abilities AND: a) four years of experience in a probation/parole environment, including two years of experience providing professional casework services to adult and/or juvenile offenders; b) six years of experience supervising juvenile detainees in a probation institution or other detention facility, including two years as a lead worker; c) two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Probation Officer or two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior with Santa Barbara County; OR 3.
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. NOTE : Examples of lead work include: assigning and reviewing work; training staff; and/or making independent decisions. Additional Requirements : Candidates must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031, including but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined by thorough background investigation (this includes a polygraph examination); submission of fingerprints for purpose of a criminal record check; and found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must successfully pass BSCC approved Core training and a law enforcement procedure (PC 832) course on search and seizure procedures certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Driver’s license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently. Applicants are required to have the knowledge and abilities required for entry level Juvenile Institutions Officer and for entry level Deputy Probation Officer, and in addition: Knowledge of: methods of training and supervision, peace officer probation theory and practice, including safety and security measures in probation institutions and program implementation; federal, state, and local laws relating to probation work, including facility requirements; casework objectives and techniques; community resources available for program development, court practices and procedures; BSCC Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Probation Department policies and procedures, and County Policies; Probation Department policies and procedures related to juvenile detention; and training techniques and methods to conduct sessions on policies, procedures, and methods of handling juveniles in a locked facility. Ability to: skillfully interview and motivate; demonstrate mature judgment in disposition of cases; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; make sound discretionary decisions; work well under pressure; interpret and apply rules and regulations and department policies; prepare memos and reports using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; keep basic records; maintain confidentiality of records; train staff; plan, review, and direct the work of others; and use a computer keyboard. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Communication: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7. Assignments to this classification may require working nights, holidays, and/or weekends. Wearing a uniform is required. SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE REVIEW: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment. Oral Examination: The oral examinations are tentatively scheduled to take place at the end of October 2025, via ZOOM. Candidates will be notified by email with instructions. Based on number of candidates who are invited to the oral examination, the dates could be subject to change. The oral examinations may be eliminated if there are fewer than thirteen qualified candidates. Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the oral examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the examination process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period. REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. All candidates for the job of Deputy Probation Officer, Senior must successfully complete the following: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation. After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following: PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
is given by a psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of Deputy Probation Officer. MEDICAL EXAMINATION:
Appointee is subject to a medical examination. Submit written documentation of his/her
LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK
in the United States of America. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period. FIREARMS
- Carrying a firearm is not required, and most DPOs do not carry firearms. However, in some assignments, officers may exercise their right to request to carry a department-issued firearm, subject to successful completion of department-required training and approval by the Chief Probation Officer. - Assignment to certain units requires training of all officers in the use of firearms, whether or not individual officers choose to carry one. Therefore, some incumbents may be required (depending on assignment) to undergo firearms training and quarterly qualification at the firing range, even if the individual chooses not to carry a firearm. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
Pursuant to Governmental Code Section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. EEO STATEMENT
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County remains committed to merit-based selection and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining qualified candidates. APPLICATION DEADLINE
Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PST. Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at the
website. If you have questions regarding the recruitment not answered in this job announcement, please email Marisa Ortiz, Supervising Probation Officer, at marreol@countyofsb.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Probation Officer, Senior The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill full-time vacancies for the Deputy Probation Officer, Senior position in “ALL Locations.” We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill current and future vacancies at all locations, including the Juvenile Justice Center located in Santa Maria, CA (separate lists for different locations will not be established). Applicants must check All Locations on the application AND be willing to accept an initial assignment at any location. It is required that you select All Locations on the application to be considered. Some positions that may be filled by this recruitment have been vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CS Rule 1414) and the duration of those appointments shall be subject to the return of the individuals who are on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CS Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.
SALARY / BENEFITS
$91,551.20- $117,266.24 Annually, plus bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable. BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Vacation:
12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays:
12 days per year. Sick Leave:
12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan:
Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria:
Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. For County benefits, please review the County benefits information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. THE POSITION: Under general supervision, performs professional casework services for adult and juvenile offenders for the most complex or difficult cases; supervises, motivates, and rehabilitates adult and juvenile offenders; provides training to Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) and to Juvenile Institutions Officers (JIOs) and/or supervises juveniles in custody; provides technical guidance to junior staff members; assists the Deputy Probation Officer, Supervising, with supervisory duties on an as-needed basis in field services or assumes supervisory responsibility for assigned shifts within a Probation Institution; and performs related duties as required.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Strong written, and verbal communication Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness Excellent command presence Good moral character Credibility Integrity Performs supervisory function at the discretion of, or in the absence of the unit/institution supervisor. Provides mandated Board of State and Community Corrections training to JIOs/DPOs; serves as an instructor for training; provides training in self-defense, fire safety, life safety, and emergency procedures; provides de-briefing and training after significant incidents; and oversees on-the-job training programs for JIOs/DPOs. In the absence of the Deputy Probation Officer, Supervising: screens youth for placement; makes detention and release decisions; and makes decisions regarding medical issues and transportation. Oversees the development and coordination of staff schedules and programs such as indoor and outdoor recreation, vocational counseling, and behavior management; assists in the coordination and operation of programs such as early release, home supervision, weekend work project, house arrest, and volunteers. Conducts facility case audits, caseload reviews, traffic hearings and in-service training programs. Operates special programs for offenders. Reviews and signs Court reports or Worker Special Reports prepared by junior staff. Interprets departmental policies and procedures to staff. Represents the department at meetings and hearings. Cooperates with representatives of state and local social services and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest. Investigates and supervises the most complex or difficult cases. Interviews offenders, their families, and interested individuals to determine the nature of their environmental, employment, financial, or family difficulties. Formulates plans of probation and presents oral or written recommendations to the Court. Participates in facility treatment team planning sessions and ensures communication and execution of detainee treatment plans. Conducts group counseling sessions, motivates, and advises adults, juveniles, or their families about available community resources. Coordinates with community-based organizations and other County departments to implement health, cognitive behavioral, educational, and other rehabilitative programs. Makes arrests and conducts body searches as necessary and authorized; administers drug tests; handles special assignments; prepares petitions, violations, correspondence, case histories, and regular and administrative reports, and maintains Field Services/Institutional case files. Applicants are required to have the knowledge and abilities required for entry level Juvenile Institutions Officer and for entry level Deputy Probation Officer, and in addition must meet the employment standards in 1, 2, or 3 below: 1.
Possession of a bachelor's degree that included 27 quarter units or 18 semester units of coursework in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field that would provide the required knowledge and abilities AND: a) two years of professional probation experience in probation field services; b) four years of experience supervising juvenile detainees in a probation institution or other detention facility, including two years as a lead worker; c) two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Probation Officer, or two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior with Santa Barbara County; OR, 2.
Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field that would provide the required knowledge and abilities AND: a) four years of experience in a probation/parole environment, including two years of experience providing professional casework services to adult and/or juvenile offenders; b) six years of experience supervising juvenile detainees in a probation institution or other detention facility, including two years as a lead worker; c) two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Probation Officer or two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior with Santa Barbara County; OR 3.
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. NOTE : Examples of lead work include: assigning and reviewing work; training staff; and/or making independent decisions. Additional Requirements : Candidates must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031, including but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined by thorough background investigation (this includes a polygraph examination); submission of fingerprints for purpose of a criminal record check; and found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must successfully pass BSCC approved Core training and a law enforcement procedure (PC 832) course on search and seizure procedures certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Driver’s license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently. Applicants are required to have the knowledge and abilities required for entry level Juvenile Institutions Officer and for entry level Deputy Probation Officer, and in addition: Knowledge of: methods of training and supervision, peace officer probation theory and practice, including safety and security measures in probation institutions and program implementation; federal, state, and local laws relating to probation work, including facility requirements; casework objectives and techniques; community resources available for program development, court practices and procedures; BSCC Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Probation Department policies and procedures, and County Policies; Probation Department policies and procedures related to juvenile detention; and training techniques and methods to conduct sessions on policies, procedures, and methods of handling juveniles in a locked facility. Ability to: skillfully interview and motivate; demonstrate mature judgment in disposition of cases; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; make sound discretionary decisions; work well under pressure; interpret and apply rules and regulations and department policies; prepare memos and reports using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; keep basic records; maintain confidentiality of records; train staff; plan, review, and direct the work of others; and use a computer keyboard. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Communication: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7. Assignments to this classification may require working nights, holidays, and/or weekends. Wearing a uniform is required. SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE REVIEW: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment. Oral Examination: The oral examinations are tentatively scheduled to take place at the end of October 2025, via ZOOM. Candidates will be notified by email with instructions. Based on number of candidates who are invited to the oral examination, the dates could be subject to change. The oral examinations may be eliminated if there are fewer than thirteen qualified candidates. Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the oral examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the examination process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period. REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. All candidates for the job of Deputy Probation Officer, Senior must successfully complete the following: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation. After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following: PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
is given by a psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of Deputy Probation Officer. MEDICAL EXAMINATION:
Appointee is subject to a medical examination. Submit written documentation of his/her
LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK
in the United States of America. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period. FIREARMS
- Carrying a firearm is not required, and most DPOs do not carry firearms. However, in some assignments, officers may exercise their right to request to carry a department-issued firearm, subject to successful completion of department-required training and approval by the Chief Probation Officer. - Assignment to certain units requires training of all officers in the use of firearms, whether or not individual officers choose to carry one. Therefore, some incumbents may be required (depending on assignment) to undergo firearms training and quarterly qualification at the firing range, even if the individual chooses not to carry a firearm. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
Pursuant to Governmental Code Section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. EEO STATEMENT
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County remains committed to merit-based selection and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining qualified candidates. APPLICATION DEADLINE
Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PST. Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at the
website. If you have questions regarding the recruitment not answered in this job announcement, please email Marisa Ortiz, Supervising Probation Officer, at marreol@countyofsb.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr