Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00056

Department: Probation Department

Job classification: Probation Technician

Posting type: Open

Categories: Probation

Summary

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Under general supervision, performs a variety of support tasks of moderate complexity involving the investigation, supervision and treatment of juveniles and adults referred to probation services utilizing Best Practices and/or Evidence Based Practices; performs support work for the Pretrial Services Unit of the Probation Department; interviews pre-arraignment criminal defendants and/or others to obtain criminal, social and/or other relevant background information; verifies, documents and evaluates the information obtained; identifies the defendant’s eligibility for release from custody based on policy and/or law; makes appropriate recommendations to the courts regarding whether or not to release the defendant; prepares required documentation and reports; and performs related or work as required.

DISTINGUSHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a paraprofessional classification within the Probation Department designed to provide specialized and technical support to Probation Officers. Incumbents work initially under close supervision and receive on-the-job-training in basic casework management. As experience is gained, incumbents will receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are expected to otherwise perform the full-range of journey-level tasks association with the position. The work has technical and procedural aspects, requiring the interpretation and application of and ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and requirement and regulations. This class is distinguished from Deputy Probation Officer in that the latter is a sworn law enforcement classification with the peace officer authorities.

Examples of duties

• Monitors assigned probation and/or Pretrial caseloads to ensure adherence to conditions of probation and/or Pretrial release.
• Interviews clients and/or criminal defendants, families, and others to obtain accurate and necessary information regarding criminal, social and/or relevant history; reviews arrest reports and other legal documents as needed to facilitate the interview process and to assist in identifying behavior patterns, home environmental problems, and other difficulties.
• Verifies information obtained from defendants and/or others by contacting references, researching available criminal justice databases, and/or contacting various criminal justice agencies as required; checks for local, state, and federal warrants; obtains California Department of Motor Vehicles history as necessary; interprets records as appropriate.
• Compiles, evaluates and assesses information obtained, including observed behavioral indicators that are relevant to eligibility for release; establishes defendant eligibility for release programs, makes recommendations to release defendants utilizing established criteria, legal requirements and educated judgment.
• Prepares complete and accurate reports, court/legal forms, summaries and/or other documents as required; prepares Pretrial packets and other files as assigned; prepares and obtains client/defendant signatures on various documents such as Promise to Appear and/or other forms; transports/transmits paperwork to the courts, criminal justice agencies, or other locations as necessary.
• Responds to inquiries from judges, officers, attorneys and other members of the criminal justice community regarding defendants; facilitates probable cause hearings with on-call judges.
• Schedules and/or notifies defendants for court appearances and hearings based on established calendars; may be required to appear or testify in court.
• Assists in the set-up, maintenance, monitoring of offenders released on electronic monitoring.
• Assists in performing investigations, collecting and gathering evidence, and reporting on findings.
• Gathers data and collects documents as needed for Deputy Probation Officers to prepare recommendations for the Court.
• Reviews probationer’s reports and presents written and oral case facts to supervisor.
• Assists with home visits and truancy reduction programs with juvenile offenders.
• Contacts schools and/or employers to determine client’s activities and behavior.
• Co-facilitates or assists in the implementation of offender Evidence Based treatment groups.
• Supervises alternatives to detention programs.
• Assists with juvenile placement paperwork.
• Discusses planned treatment programs and available resources with the client and/or family.
• Monitors offender payments and compliance with the County Office of Revenue and Recovery.
• Prepares and maintains case records and reports as directed.
• Conducts special surveys and prepares appropriate reports.
• Tests for alcohol and drug use/abuse.
• Files and delivers court documents.
• Prepares written referrals to treatment providers, and monitors compliance with treatment services.
• Assists with juvenile placement tasks including family finding and inputting data into the information statewide database.
• Arranges transportation and may personally transport clients to various in and out of county placement, including juvenile detention facilities.
• Performs routine clerical duties in connection with program requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic principles of human behavior and applied psychology, including issues common to criminal behavior.

Advanced interviewing techniques; Basic court and arrest procedures; Basic research and investigative methods/procedures; Principles and practices of written and oral communication; Language mechanics, report writing and principles of written composition; General computer operations; Practices and procedures associated with the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, and Welfare and Institutions Code.

Available community resources; Basic record keeping, word processing and data entry programs;

Applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances; County and department policies and procedures; Counseling and interviewing techniques; Social, economic and psychological forces contributing to delinquency problems; Principles and practices of data gathering, analysis and presentation; Organizational and time management skills; Proper search techniques and weaponless defense techniques; Principles and practices of data gathering and documentation and report preparation.

English usage sufficient to effectively perform the duties; Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Ability to:

Interview clients and obtain factual information in stressful situations; listen carefully during interviews to both content and presentation in order to identify questionable information.

Investigate, research and interpret information regarding a client’s criminal history, social and other background.

Interpret and apply complex laws, policies and procedures using considerable judgment.

Communicate effectively with a variety of people, both orally and in writing.

Effectively handle difficult situations; work well under pressure.

Develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of people.

Utilize computers to retrieve and enter information.

Analyze situations accurately, use appropriate techniques and tactics to diffuse aggressive or difficult behavior and apply proper defense tactics for protection against assault.

Make oral and written presentations.

Prepare concise, well organized and clearly defined reports using proper grammar.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Read and understand legal documents.

Respect and maintain an oath of confidentiality; follow confidentiality rules and laws.

Work under stress and with a lack of sleep.

Effectively use computer and other electronic devices.

Plan, organize, assign and review work of program participants.

Recognize the signs of alcohol and drug use.

Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in stressful situations.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental information

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.