Job Description
Salary : $70,179.20 - $89,564.80 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Hourly
Job Number: 0824PM-000324-01
Department: Probation
Division: Probation Adult
Opening Date: 08/16/2024
Closing Date: 9/11/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
About the Position The anticipated salary range for hire is $70,179 - $77,376 annually. The top of the range for salary advancement is $89,565.
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.
Click here to view detailed 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 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 another field involving the care, supervision, education, counseling, or leadership of adults or youths may be substituted for the required education. Social workers or parole agents would be examples of positions with relatable experience.)
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.
How to Apply Applicants must submit their application online by the final filing date.
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
hr@co.slo.ca.us . 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
Probation - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov) 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.
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. This booklet is available online at:
bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/COB.pdf Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the overview and sample exam ahead of the actual test date.
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 Miranda Wall at mewall@co.slo.ca.us 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.
Supplemental Information Must be able to work a variety of shifts including irregular hours, weekends and holidays.
PEACE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031.
Personal History Statement - Peace Officer Form 2-251: All applicants that are invited to department interviews will be required to complete, sign, and return a Personal History Statement (PHS) directly to the Probation Department. More details and instructions will follow after the final filing date with a status of your application. The personal history statement form can be accessed at under the Background/Hiring section.
Medical Exam: All candidates will be required to take a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment medical examination will include a vision and hearing test, pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, and treadmill stress test.
Polygraph/Psychological Exam: The polygraph examinationwill measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation. The psychological examination will include the administration of psychological tests, an assessment of psychological factors, and an interview with a County-designated Psychologist.
Background Check: To accept a position with the Probation Office, 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
- 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
Issues that arise during the investigation process will be assessed, and judgement and discretion will be used to determine the employability of the candidate. Where there is evidence of a candidate's past use of controlled substances, many factors shall be used to determine the employability of the individual such as a pattern of use, kind of drug used, circumstances of the start of the drug use, treatment, behavior, and attitude since discontinuance, etc. Please note that a history of using controlled substances does not result in automatic disqualification from the selection process. Prior to disqualifying any candidate whose profile falls within the provisions of the policy, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to present any and all evidence of mitigating facts that the candidate feels should be considered by the hiring authority.
The results of these examinations and the background investigation shall be confidential and shall not be available to the candidate or any unauthorized individuals for review.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail
hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .
Some benefits include: - Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates: The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions: The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates: The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions: The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay of the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01
Please choose the option below that best describes your education/experience related to this position.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree.
- At least 4 years of job related experience as a peace officer or another field involving the care, supervision, education, counseling, or leadership of adults or youths.
- None of the above.
02
If you chose option# 2 as your answer for Question# 1 - Briefly describe your job related experience involving the care, supervision, education, counseling, or leadership of adults or youths.
Required Question
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Trial period, Long distance, Felony friendly, Flexible hours, Shift work,