Probation Program Specialist

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Bargaining Unit: Technical Services

Class Code: 0883

KERN COUNTY
Established Date: May 11, 2015
Revision Date: May 27, 2022
SALARY RANGE
$22.89– $27.36 Hourly
$1,831.51– $2,188.82 Biweekly
$3,968.27– $4,742.44 Monthly

DESCRIPTION:

Under supervision, performs specialized work providing paraprofessional activities in support of programs for clients. Performs duties that require interacting with clients, facilitating programming, instructing clients in a classroom setting, searching law enforcement data bases, documenting client’s progress towards rehabilitation, and serve as a liaison with community based providers. Incumbents work independently and possess knowledge of various ways to deliver and implement programs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification works under minimum supervision within the Probation Department as a paraprofessional with juvenile and adult clients who may or may not be under probation or Court supervision.

Depending upon assignment, incumbents may be required to work weekends, holidays, overtime; and travel to various training locations throughout the County.

DUTIES:

Facilitates programming with classroom instruction in a group setting or on an individual basis at various locations
Evaluates and assesses client needs and/or eligibility for programs based on established criteria, guidelines, and objectives; authorizes participation in programs
Completes clients risk and needs assessments; and documents case plans
Communicates and serves as a liaison with the community, local businesses, other agencies, internal divisions, and agency partners for program coordination
Attends staff meetings, training seminars and obtains certifications to instruct classroom curriculum
Provides information and assistance to program participants, potential participants and other interested parties; assists program participants in completing required documents and regulations to determine eligibility for the program
Maintains accurate documentation and orderly case files for clients receiving services. Ensures all forms are in compliance with local, state and federal law Conducts research to keep abreast of latest developments in assigned area of responsibility
Prepares, processes, and maintains a variety of confidential records and reports including information from databases
Assists in the collection, processing and documentation of urine and/or DNA samples
Monitors client’s progress throughout their programming and makes recommendations for improvement
Identifies potentially dangerous situations and reacts quickly and calmly in emergencies Other Functions

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Performs other related duties as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent, and completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university with 9 semester, or 16 quarter units in Behavioral Science, or related field AND one (1) year of full time paid experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

(Qualifying related work experience may include, verifying documents to determine eligibility for benefits, social services and/or employment; conducting needs assessments; making referrals for services; classroom instruction, and interviewing clients.)

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver’s License

Additional Requirements:

Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Knowledge of: interviewing techniques; basic socioeconomic principles; program terminology; applicable programs; customer service principles; community resources; basic mathematical principles; alphabetical and chronological filing methods; applicable policies and procedures, public relations and public speaking methods; and telephone etiquette.

Ability to: use a computer and related software applications; conduct interviews with clients; prepare and deliver presentations; read, comprehend, and explain regulations and procedures; resolve conflict; record client information; maintain client files; communicate both orally and in writing sufficient to exchange or convey information; and receive work direction.

SUPPLEMENTAL:

All Kern County employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers” through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.