Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I Orange County

The Orange County Probation Department assists the criminal justice system in Orange County, California by making a safer Orange County through positive change. Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of three bureaus – Adult Operations, Juvenile Operations, and Administrative Services – serves the community using efficient and research supported corrections practices to reduce crime, assist the Courts in managing offenders, promoting lawful and productive lifestyles and assisting victims.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I is an entry level class in the Deputy Probation Correctional Officer series formerly titled Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer and works under direct supervision. There is no permanent status in this classification. A Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I who passes a one (1) year probationary period, and after satisfactory job performance, will be promoted to Deputy Probation Correctional Officer II. Incumbents who are not promoted will have failed probation in this class. Incumbents are peace officers under the California Penal Code section 830.5.

The Deputy Probation Correctional Officer I for Probation will be responsible for the following:

• Providing direct supervisory responsibility for youth in 24-hour, seven-day a week secure and non-secure facilities
• Making periodic checks of rooms or units and recording safety checks and population verifications
• Conducting activities designed to assist in the resocialization of youth
• Observing and recording behavioral actions or disturbances; providing situational counseling to juvenile offenders if necessary
• Effectively de-escalating violent behavior and participating in the physical restraint of violent and assaultive youth when necessary; utilizing safety equipment and techniques such as chemical agents and restraint equipment in compliance with legal mandates and policy guidelines
• Logging and maintaining information related to unit activity, writing reports and maintaining files

• Mentoring and training youth to ensure guidelines are understood and applied
• Conveying confidence and optimism in the unit's ability to overcome obstacles and accomplish its goals
• Monitoring youth activities and addressing performance issues
• Ensuring that clear, challenging and attainable goals are set for youths and that these goals are aligned with the goals of the unit
• Creating a positive environment in which youth and staff are motivated to do their best
• Showing a high level of care and thoroughness in handling the details of youth activities
• Conducting activities designed to assist in the resocialization of youth including individual and group counseling, facilitation of cognitive behavioral programs, engaging parents, drug/alcohol counseling, academic achievement, recreational activities, basic vocational training, assisting with emotionally distressed or self-destructive youth and obtaining psychiatric assistance
• Providing a positive role model and authority figure for supervised youths

• Promptly intervening in conflicts to facilitate communication and resolve problems, finding common ground when possible
• Recognizing when safety measures are compromised and calling the appropriate unit or staff for assistance
• Handling complaints and disputes with neutrality, composure, and tact
• Maintaining composure in the face of interruptions and distractions
• Maintaining focus and emotional control in stressful interpersonal situations and in unpleasant or extreme circumstances

• Clarifying group agenda, allocating time properly, summarizing key points, clarifying issues, identifying action items while facilitating unit and individual meetings with youth
• Picking up on nuances in tone and meaning and being attentive to non-verbal cues and body language
• Researching and investigating activities requiring a Special Incident Report and writing the information clearly and in an organized manner while using correct vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation
• Adjusting vocabulary and formality according to the audience and the purpose of the interaction
• Understanding the youths comprehension by seeking a response or asking for a paraphrase of meaning