Career Opportunity

8529-Probation Assistant

Recruitment: RTF0152859-01131886

Published: November 06, 2024

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About:

This recruitment has been administratively amended to include additional information.

Appointment Type: Temporary Provisional (TPV), limited to no more than 2 years in duration. This temporary position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process. Provisional employees must successfully compete in a civil service examination process and be reachable on an eligible list to be considered for permanent civil service appointment: a) successfully completed the examination process; b) is on the eligible list; c) is reachable on the eligible list; and d) is performing competently and effectively in the department.

The San Francisco Adult Probation Department values the individuality and diversity of justice involved adults, recognize the unique challenges they face, and invest in their success through services designed to help them permanently exit the criminal justice system. Our reentry and rehabilitative services complement our supervision strategies by providing a unique blend of opportunity and accountability. We extend a continuum of integrated services to address our clients’ criminogenic needs and empower them to become productive members of the community. SFAPD dedicates endless energy toward enhancing public safety, seeking victim restoration and accountability, providing structured and evidence-based supervision, all on the behalf of the Superior Court of San Francisco.  The Department’s mission: Protect and Serve the Community, Further Justice, Inspire Change, and Prioritize Racial Equity so that all People May Thrive, is achieved through the implementation and integration of evidence based practices which have been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism and improving public safety.

Role description

NTRODUCTION

Under general supervision, provides para-professional support to Deputy Probation Officers and/or civilian personnel by monitoring clients to ensure compliance with conditions of their probation and release and providing recommendations for action on assigned cases. This class is responsible for significant interaction with clients and collateral agencies to conduct general inquiries and provide information.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Probation Assistant is a non-sworn para-professional position. This class is unique in that it provides technical support to the Deputy Probation Officers; and performs such duties with some degree of latitude and independence. This class encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities, from beginning through the fully experienced journey level, and performs assignments that require a medium degree of ability and initiative as experience is gained. Class 8529 duties may be performed under the direction of Class 8444/8530 Deputy Probation Officers, supervising sworn personnel or Chief Clerk and Principal Clerk personnel.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list. An 8529 Probation Assistant may be assigned to any one of three units within the department at any time.

1. Serve as liaison to collateral agencies including, but not limited to, the courts, DA’s office, schools, social services, mental health and other treatment providers, and local law enforcement agencies; research and retrieve documents requested by the court regarding records disposition and conditions of probation; may represent the department at community group meetings.

2. Locate and communicate with clients by telephone and in office to gather factual information required for the terms of their probation, prepare referrals to available services and verify payment of court-imposed fines, restitution and child support; conduct client drug testing and maintain the chain of custody of information; transport clients to a variety of non-custodial locations.

3. Gather information from victims (who may be individuals, corporations, small businesses, the City of San Francisco, etc.) to determine restitution for pre-sentence investigations. Submit restitution reports for Court probation matters, complete judicial council forms and maintain case notes.

4. Update information in the criminal justice and case management systems on the verification of program completion/participation; update departmental databases with changes to contact information, services provided, and resources used.

5. Provide administrative support to Probation Officers and civilian personnel.

6. Perform Client checks-ins for clients visiting the Community Assessment and Service Center (CASC) for services, resources, and visits with the Probation Officers. This may entail metal detection screening, client bag checking, assisting clients with locker usage, and opening clients in the CASC Access database and entering client information and visit purpose into the CASC database which tracks client traffic into the CASC. Interact with and support clients visiting the CASC with various needs such as, but not limited to, breakfast, lunch, and food bag distribution, helping clients get to the correct on-site services or groups/classes, and answering questions clients may have regarding available services and resources.

7. Train new or reassigned probation assistants and may act as backup to other units.

8. Process and sort incoming/outgoing mail and deliveries; operate office equipment and/or machinery. Utilize the CTAG case management system.

9. Perform related duties as required.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: office procedures, including oral and written communications, personal computer usage; various social, economic and psychological factors affecting criminal and other anti-social behavior of individuals; principles of interviewing and problem solving methods; court procedures and the general law relating to the legal rights of offenders.

Ability to: use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; inspire confidence and employ techniques of acquiring essential information from offenders and others; develop, establish and maintain effective working relationships with the courts, governmental and community agencies, co-workers and other departmental personnel and agencies; review, evaluate, and analyze official documents; and prepare clear, accurate and concise reports for a legal environment.

Skills: computer literacy; computer-based systems. Word, Excel, email.
 

How to qualify

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university course work in the Criminal, Social and Behavioral Sciences or closely related field.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

Possession of a valid California Driver's License within 45 days of appointment to this position

Desirable Skills: 
•    Fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese. 
•    One year of Customer Service experience.
 

What else should I know?

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.