The San Mateo County Probation Department's role as a partner in the County's criminal justice system is to contribute to community safety through its law enforcement, court services, pretrial, supervision and treatment referral functions. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/probation.

Each day, Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) have the opportunity to contribute to community safety by actively engaging with at-risk youth and adults. Our department is firmly dedicated to implementing the most effective evidence-based, equitable, and trauma-informed practices to uplift and empower the individuals under our supervision. DPOs work in close cooperation with the County's criminal justice system and partner with Community Based Organizations to offer guidance and support to the population we serve. If your aspiration is to play a role in securing your community's safety, this profession is the ideal choice for you!

The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• Understanding of adult supervision, familiarity with correctional facility policies and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to evolving responsibilities and challenges.
• Demonstrate unwavering honesty, integrity and credibility.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships by demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and respect in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• A strong communicator with the ability to conduct structured and effective interviews, gather relevant information, and build rapport with individuals or groups.
• Excellent time management, organization and attention to detail skills.
• Knowledge of general or community resources available to support the needs to adults, juveniles and their families.
• Ability to maintain order, establish routines, and manage group dynamics effectively.
• Possess excellent observation and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to assess and respond appropriately to individual needs and behaviors.
• Demonstrates empathy by understanding and considering the emotions, needs, and perspectives of others in communication.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written reports to effectively communicate critical information.
• Is a strong collaborator with the ability to effectively work with others in a group or team to achieve shared goals, solve problems, and complete tasks, fostering a harmonious and productive team environment.
• Ability to safely manage volatile situations and have a basic understanding of crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of security protocols, safety regulations, and contraband identification.
• Ability to maintain a secure environment while respecting individual rights and is able to communicate rules clearly.
• Knowledge of record-keeping procedures, confidentiality requirements and ability to maintain thorough and confidential records.
• Ability to inspire and guide individuals by setting a positive example and exhibits exceptional professional conduct and ethical behavior.
• Commitment to continual performance improvement through continuous training.
• Display complete honesty during the background investigation process, and beyond.

Additionally, applicants must meet the following education and experience requirements to qualify:



There are currently various vacancies in the Probation department. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Deputy Probation Officer I or Deputy Probation Officer II level.

Selected candidates must be available to work flexible shifts, including graveyards, day shift, swing shift, weekends and holidays at any of the Probation Department locations. Selected candidates must also successfully pass a background investigation, including fingerprints, medical examination, psychological evaluation, a truth verification test and be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a Peace Officer. Felony and misdemeanors convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Deputy Probation Officers I must complete 200 hours of core probation officer training coursework within one year of appointment.

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Deputy Probation Officer I/II position. If you have taken the BSCC exam within the last six months at another agency and you would like to utilize that T-score, please attach your exam results to the application. If your exam date is over six months from time of application, you must retake the BSCC to be considered for the Deputy Probation Officer I/II position.

To learn more about preparing for the written exam, please review the Candidate Orientation Booklet here: Candidate Orientation Booklet

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interview adults or juveniles, their families, and interested individuals to determine the nature of their marital, domestic, employment, financial, environmental or other difficulties.
• Formulate plans of probation and present recommendations to supervisors and the court.
• Recommend and set up payment schedules for restitution and fines; evaluate and make recommendations on restitution claims submitted by victims and on probationer's ability to pay.
• Explain procedures, rights and responsibilities to probationers.
• Inform juveniles, adults or their families of available community resources.
• Propose alternative probation plans as needed.
• Obtain releases for medical, psychiatric or other necessary information on probationers.
• Supervise the welfare and conduct of adults on probation and of juveniles who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court and assist them to comply with court orders.
• Identify treatment, educational, employment or other programs needed by the probationer; make referrals and follow up to verify and evaluate services received.
• Take necessary legal steps to report non-compliance of probationer with court orders.
• Initiate court process when probationer violates probation terms.
• Consult with professionals in the fields of law enforcement, medicine, religion, law and mental health.
• Cooperate with representatives from state and local welfare, school, and law enforcement agencies.
• Keep informed of departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Participate in mandatory training programs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Experience Requirement:
Deputy Probation Officer I ($41.41/hr-$51.77/hr) - One year of experience in a human services capacity involving communicating and interacting with a diverse population either on an individual or group basis for the purpose of interviewing, counseling or rehabilitating, such as in the role of an institutional counselor, peace officer, or mental health or social services professional.

Deputy Probation Officer II ($46.24/hr-$57.76/hr) - Two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of an entry level Deputy Probation Officer I in San Mateo County.

Knowledge of: Authoritative probation casework objectives, principles, methods and related court procedures; individual and group behavior; general resources needed to assist in prevention and control programs relating to delinquency and crime; California Penal and Welfare and Institutions, Health and Safety and Vehicle Codes; problems, needs, attitudes and behavior patterns of adult and juvenile probation and the community; community resources available to probationers; interviewing principles and techniques; general symptoms and effects of drug and alcohol use and abuse, emotional disorder and mental illness; counseling and crisis intervention principles and techniques; and court procedures.

Skill/Ability to: Interview effectively and obtain information through interrogation and observation; relate to and communicate effectively with residents of the community; deal effectively with persons under emotional stress; read and interpret complex written material; function as a team member; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, employees, supervisors and the general public; interpret legal information effectively; read and understand complex legal documents; prepare clear and concise oral and written reports; and work under stress; meet the physical abilities requirements as defined by the California State Board of Corrections.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age on or before date of appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Deputy Probation Officers I must complete 200 hours of core probation officer training coursework within one year of appointment.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

A supplemental application questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard San Mateo County employment application. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination will consist of a written test (weight: 100%). All tests will be held in San Mateo County, California. Applicants must participate at their own expense. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time and place of the tests. Applicants must adhere to the dates listed below. Applicant requests for alternate test dates and times will not be granted. Applicants successful on the written test will have their name placed on the eligible list which will be used to fill anticipated vacancies.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednesday, November 22, 2023, by 11:59PM PST
*Written Exam: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Departmental Interviews: Week of January 8, 2024
Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Deputy Probation Officer I/II position. If you have taken the BSCC exam within the last six months at another agency and you would like to utilize that T-score, please attach your exam results to the application. If your exam date is over six months from time of application, you must retake the BSCC to be considered for the Deputy Probation Officer I/II position .

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.