Juvenile Institutions Officer, EXH

Description

The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill vacancies for the Juvenile Institutions Officer, Extra Help position. Hours worked per year are limited to 1,040 and are limited to 28 hours per week. Hours are NOT guaranteed.

Applicants must check "All Locations" on the application AND be willing to accept an initial assignment at any location. It is required that you select "All Locations" on the application to be considered. Please note that the Juvenile Facilities are located in Santa Maria and Los Padres National Forest (Santa Ynez area).

Please read all materials on job posting before applying for this position.

THE POSITION: Under direction, supervises, controls, guides, routinely counsels and motivates a group of youths in detention and/or treatment facilities; performs related duties as required. Incumbents must work in a structured, regimented work environment that includes working shifts, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents must enforce rules while maintaining flexibility, and adhere to professional ethics in working with youth and young adults; wear required uniform; stand for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per shift); work outdoors in a varying climate; may perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

The ideal candidate will possess
* Strong written and verbal communication
* Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
* Excellent command presence
* Good moral character
* Credibility
* Integrity Examples of Duties

1. Orients, observes, supervises controls, motivates, counsels, and maintains headcount of youths in a detention and/or treatment facility; enforces disciplinary rules and policies of the institution/facility; delivers medication as prescribed; participates in individual, group, or crisis counseling and facilitates the application of certain programs and compliance with case plans.
2. Plans, organizes, and coordinates work project details, recreation, and leisure activities for youth detainees; ensures youths complete activities within allotted timeframes.
3. Observes and writes reports on the attitude, behavior, and adjustment of youth detainees; recommends intervals at which suicidal youths should be observed; and enters pertinent narrative and statistical information into computer programs.
4. Monitors youth detainees during showers in order to ensure hygiene and security; supervises youths in performing laundry duties, and other work details.
5. Receives and releases youths; may make intake and release decisions; contacts and
   informs parents/guardians of case status; supervises visits between parents and youths; supervises youths who are on alternative release status or on probation and living at home.
6. Physically restrains and/or redirects assaultive youths; secures and transports detained youths.
7. Occasionally assists in the routine preparation and serving/distribution of meals.

Employment Standards

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards. Applicants will need to attach their unofficial transcripts to their application.

In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications:

1. Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities; OR,
2. A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to that listed above that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (an example of equivalent experience would be working with juvenile/youth offenders, as a counselor in a group home).

Additional Requirements:

• Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031 including, but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined through a background check (this includes a polygraph examination); and no physical, mental, or emotional condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must successfully complete "Core" training and an introductory law enforcement procedures program (PC 832), certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Appointees must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. Driver's license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently.
• All appointees must successfully complete 40 hours of intense, on-the-job training, which focuses on facility security and operations, psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adult offenders, and the growth, development, needs, and problems of youth and young adults.

Knowledge of: Standard English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage; college-level report writing; standard computer applications used in an office; basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and percentages.

Ability to: Read and comprehend material at college level; learn and apply psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth involved in the justice system; learn about the growth, development, needs, and issues of youth; gain the confidence and respect of youths; supervise youths; perceive, evaluate, and de-escalate or resolve tense group situations; make rational decisions; observe, recall, and document behavior; note behavior patterns and behavior changes for signs of potential problems; read, understand, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures; enforce rules while maintaining flexibility; counsel and motivate individuals and groups and provide support and control as needed; work with youths in an assertive, calm manner; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work well under pressure; work in a structured, regimented work environment; meet deadlines; maintain professional ethics; learn and follow County and departmental policies, goals, and objectives; drive safely and legally; work harmoniously with others; maintain confidentiality and impartiality; maintain professional demeanor even when dealing with hostile or abusive individuals; use a computer keyboard.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of: Adolescent psychology, juvenile justice, juvenile delinquency, counseling, basic knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with related course work focus is desirable.
• Bilingual skills: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.
• Juvenile Institutions Officer, Extra Help applicants should reside within 1 hour and 30 minutes driving time of the nearest facility to ensure a reasonable response. Applicants who live outside the suggested area may not be selected to advance to the next step of the selection process.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Application and Supplemental Question Review: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

All candidates for the job of Juvenile Institutions Officer, Extra-Help must successfully complete the following:

• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver.
• POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation.

After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following:

• PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION is given by a psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of Deputy Probation Officer.
• MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointee is subject to a medical examination.
• Submit written documentation of his/her LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, April 5, 2024; 4:59 p.m.

Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at .

If you have questions regarding the recruitment not answered in this job announcement, please email Marisa Ortiz, Deputy Probation Officer, Supervising at marreol@countyofsb.org