Probation Assistant

About the Role

Launch your career in criminal justice as a Probation Assistant with the County of Sonoma. This position offers an hourly wage up to $37.72, translating to an annual salary of approximately $78,726, along with a comprehensive compensation package. You will provide vital administrative support to Probation Officers, assist in maintaining a safe and organized environment, and engage with clients and the public to foster rehabilitation and positive behavioral changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver customer service to clients, justice partners, and the public through personal interactions, phone, and electronic communication.
• Oversee client activities while adhering to established safety and security procedures.
• Conduct chemical testing, manage testing schedules, and meticulously record outcomes.
• Facilitate Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and support evidence-based methodologies, including motivational interviewing.
• Maintain and update accurate records within justice system databases and other computerized platforms.
• Manage appointment scheduling, handle multi-line phone systems, and prepare official correspondence.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates are compassionate, reliable, and motivated to assist individuals involved with the criminal justice system. They possess strong communication skills tailored to diverse audiences, remain composed under pressure, and are committed to evidence-based approaches promoting behavioral improvement. Candidates should thrive in dynamic settings while upholding professionalism, accountability, and confidentiality.

Desirable qualifications include:

• Experience with motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, or trauma-informed approaches.
• Proficient verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Skill in building rapport, conflict resolution, and exercising sound judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, capable of multitasking and time management.
• Experience with data entry, Microsoft Office, and computerized recordkeeping.
• Capability to work independently and cooperatively within teams.
• Strong adherence to confidentiality, professionalism, accountability, and ongoing learning.
• CPR/First Aid certification is advantageous.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is a plus but not mandatory.

Work Conditions

Probation Assistants may be scheduled for varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and may perform duties in both office and jail settings.

About the Probation Department

The department is dedicated to enhancing safety and improving lives through evidence-based strategies that encourage skill development, positive decision-making, and lasting success. Collaborating with community entities, it connects clients to critical services like education, employment, treatment, and housing, while supporting accountability and victim assistance within the justice system.

Compensation & Benefits

• Potential for hybrid telework depending on assignment.
• Salary progression after 1040 hours (~6 months) of satisfactory performance and annual increases thereafter.
• Attractive paid time off including vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays, and floating holiday hours.
• Comprehensive health premium contributions, including post-retirement health benefits.
• Integrated pension plan with Social Security.
• Paid parental leave eligibility after 12 months.
• Additional benefits such as dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, and professional development.
• Opportunity for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Application & Selection

This recruitment will fill two full-time positions with potential use for future vacancies in various capacities. Applications must include the Supplemental Questionnaire to be considered.

Minimum Qualifications

• Combination of education and/or training that imparts relevant knowledge and skills, typically coursework in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, administration of justice, or related fields; or a minimum of one year of experience in law enforcement, public safety, or social services.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license; Class B license may be required for some roles and must be obtained before employment starts.
• For particular assignments, candidates must have no felony convictions and must not be under current formal probation. Exceptions may apply for felonies older than twenty years.
• Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive background investigation including psychological evaluation, criminal history check, and medical examination.
• Permanent resident aliens aiming for peace officer roles must apply for citizenship at least one year prior and obtain citizenship within three years; otherwise, disqualification may result.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of sociology and psychology concerning personality, behavior, motivation, and social dynamics.
• Familiarity with office practices, recordkeeping, filing, and basic interviewing.
• Proficient in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Effective communication across all age groups and backgrounds, decision-making without direct supervision, legal document comprehension, and accurate report maintenance.
• Capacity to collect and organize data, apply policies, perform routine manual tasks, manage materials, and exercise sound judgment, including physical intervention when necessary.
• Willingness to submit to and pass background screening.

Additional Information

The county requires thorough background investigations for all law enforcement and legal staff to ensure employee and public safety and uphold professional standards. Candidates must consent to authorization and release forms for these investigations; refusal to comply will disqualify them. Investigations will encompass personal, employment, educational, criminal, and credit histories.