How To Apply
Information about Probation positions is available by calling the Probation Department's Job Hotline at (858) 514-8558. To apply for any position, you must apply online through the Department of Human Resources. For those applying for Correctional Deputy Probation Officer, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ON-LINE APPLICATION BEFORE TAKING THE TEST. Complete and submit an on-line application form and provide correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions. Print a hard copy of your application and bring this copy to the written test.
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The Probation Department has two entry-level positions for peace officers: Correctional Deputy Probation Officer I and Deputy Probation Officer. Even if there are no immediate openings for these positions, interested candidates should apply and get on the pre-qualified list to expedite the hiring process when openings become available.
Correctional Deputy Probation Officer I
Correctional Deputy Probation Officer I (CDPO) is the entry-level peace officer position in the Department. The salary range is from $36,275 to $46,300 with premiums paid for certain locations, night shift work, and designated bilingual positions. CDPOs help maintain order and security within the Department's correctional facilities, provide orientation to new detainees, and escort detainees when they are transported. They also monitor meals, recreation, education, work project activities, and conduct inspections and searches. They also calculate court-ordered detention time, maintain records and files, counsel detainees, assess treatment issues, and write incident reports. They have limited peace officer status and often work late night shifts and weekends.
All applicants are required to pass a criminal and personal background investigation, a truth verification examination, and psychological and medical evaluations which include drug and alcohol screening. Felony convictions are disqualifying and misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on the severity and recent occurrence of the conviction. Other requirements include meeting the guidelines established by the Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and in Section 1031 of the Government Code. Additionally, you must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment; have a high school diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or have applied to become a citizen; and have a good driving record with a valid California Class C drivers license. One must also qualify to obtain a Class B drivers license for transportation purposes.
Deputy Probation Officer
This is the journey level class of the Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) class series. With a salary range of $52,520 to $63,835, DPOs handle professional casework for both juvenile and adult offenders, supervise probationers, and participate as working members of the institutional treatment and counseling teams. Their duties include doing social histories of minors involved in the Juvenile Justice System; writing case history presentence reports/ investigation which help Courts make dispositions in both adult and juvenile cases; making plans for the rehabilitation of juveniles in both home and institutional settings; conducting investigations of adult offenders and supervising, counseling, aiding, and encouraging juvenile and adult probationers.
Eligibility for DPO is the same as for CDPOI, except for additional education and work experience requirements: (A) Qualified applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a U.S. accredited college or university, or certified equivalency for foreign studies; AND, either: (1) At least one year full-time experience as a Correctional Deputy Probation Officer (CDPO); OR, (2) At least one year full-time experience in an equivalent position in the criminal justice system, providing functions of treatment counseling or criminal investigation; OR, (3) At least one year full-time paid experience with custody and control responsibilities such as a K-12 teacher or first-line supervisor in the U.S. military. Student worker and Teacher's Aide experience is not considered qualifying experience. You must attach a copy of your transcripts. Education requirements of all eligible candidates are verified by the department.
Student Worker
The Department's Student Worker program offers full-time college students who are at least 18 years of age the opportunity to work with juveniles or adults in institutional or community settings. Work hours are available nights and weekends in the institutional setting. Students can work up to 20 hours a week, earning $12.56 to $19.12 per hour, depending on the number of college credits completed. All Student Worker candidates are required to pass a local records clearance check. Also, all applicants must undergo a medical examination and found to be physically suitable, including screening for alcohol and drugs.
