Deputy Probation Officer I

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions should they occur. 

Under direct supervision, primary responsibilities are to investigate assigned cases, prepare written reports, and make recommendations to the referring court.  Work consists of varied and moderately complex professional duties.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage caseload of assigned probationary cases; monitor adherence of probationers with terms of probation; search probationer and residence.
• Perform intake for juvenile cases; assess, investigate, evaluate, and determine disposition for each case.
• Arrange and monitor placement of individuals on probation in rehabilitation, treatment, and/or other programs.
• Compile, investigate, verify, and present reports on personal, social, educational, financial, health, and/or prior criminal involvement of probationers; present sentencing recommendations in court.
• Communicate with a wide variety of agencies, probation departments, law enforcement agencies, schools, or other organizations to arrange and maintain needed services for probationers.
• Communicate with other law enforcement and/or social service agencies on crime investigation and prevention.
• Intervene in crises; counsel with probationers and/or family members; communicate with involved community and/or private agencies; make referrals.
• Maintain records; prepare and process various reports and court documents as needed.
• Make arrest of and transport probation violators to appropriate location, which may involve physically restraining and/or detaining individuals.
• Appear and/or testifies in court for detention, jurisdictional, disposition, and/or violation of probation hearings; attend special and/or annual review and sealing of records per assigned casework in both adult and juvenile cases.
• Perform drug tests following established policies and procedures, including: collecting urine specimens; sending specimens to appropriate laboratory; and monitoring and recording test results.
• Perform clerical duties such as filing, completing various forms, logging all contacts, and ordering supplies.
• Attend meetings and training seminars as scheduled.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:
Associate degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, behavioral science, or a related field, and six (6) months of related experience.

Substitution:  A combination of related education, training, and experience performing duties such as custodial care, treatment counseling, probation, parole, corrections, criminal investigation, or other related law enforcement or counseling work may be substituted for the education at a rate of two (2) years of experience for each year of education requirement.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Penal Code 832 (within first year of job assignment)
• State Corrections Authority STC Probation Officer Core Course (within first year of job assignment)
• Valid Driver's License

Knowledge of:

• Principles of human behavior and applied psychology.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and casework.
• Applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.

Skill in:

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks.
• Understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, run, and sit; reach with hands and arms; use manual dexterity to operate machinery/tools; handle, seize, hold, or otherwise work with hands; climb, jump, and/or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak and hear; use shape, sound, odor, and color perception and discrimination.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move over 50 pounds, and arrest, detain, and/or physically restrain clients.

Written testing for qualified Deputy Probation Officer I applicants is currently scheduled for September 22-24, 2026.

*Please note the dates are subject to change. You will be notified at least 7 days prior to the actual test date.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered.  Applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in a written exam (pass/fail). Those who pass the written exam will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Based on the number of candidates passing the written exam, a qualifications appraisal (oral examination) (weight 100) may be administered. The examination process will test the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. A passing mark of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600.  Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation(Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work(Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer