Probation Director

The Position

The Probation Department is recruiting to fill two (2) vacant positions within the Probation Director classification. Under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Director is responsible for supervising, planning, and coordinating the work of Probation Managers. The Director oversees the organization and strategic planning of field services, administrative operations, or juvenile institutions; develops and implements relevant policies, procedures, and regulations; and provides leadership, direction, and training to staff in support of departmental objectives.

In the Staff Development and Professional Services Bureau (Administrative Services), the Probation Director is expected to oversee training and professional development, organizational performance and innovation efforts, personnel and administrative support functions, and related operational services that strengthen department-wide effectiveness and compliance.

In Field Services, the Directors' primary areas of responsibility include overseeing adult and juvenile court, investigations, supervision, reentry and prevention efforts.

In the Juvenile Institution, the Director’s primary responsibility includes overseeing the operation of the Department’s juvenile facilities and after care programs associated with the John A. Davis Juvenile Hall.

Competencies Required:

• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Visionary Leadership: Taking a long-term view and building a shared vision with others; acting as a catalyst for organizational change
• Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration: Demonstrating cooperation and teamwork while working within and across divisions and teams
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objective
• Thinking & Acting Systematically: Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

You can read the complete job description at: www.cccounty/hr .
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months.

Typical Tasks

When Assigned to Institutions

• Plan, direct, coordinate, train and oversee facility Probation Managers' functions
• Recommend, formulate, and implement policies for the observation, care, rehabilitation, and/or detention of youth
• Evaluate facility requirements and makes budget recommendations
• Responsible for daily physical operations and understanding legal implications within facility
• Oversee housekeeping, clerical, supervision, and counseling activities at the facilities
• Interview and approves selection of staff members, approves personnel movement
• Evaluate staff members and approves subordinate evaluations
• Decide action to be taken in emergency situations
• May counsel youth or parents
• Conduct tours of facility and understand its operations and programs
• Coordinate facility operations with other activities within the County Probation Department and community agencies
• Prepare correspondence and reports

When Assigned to Field Services

• Plan, direct, coordinate, train and oversee field Probation Managers' functions
• Identify goals and set priorities for field operations
• Identify problems, analyze factual data, and draw valid conclusions
• Ensure fidelity of evidence based programs, practices and services
• Evaluate program requirements and make budget recommendations
• Evaluate staff members and approve subordinate evaluations
• Decide action to be taken in emergency situations
• Participate in County and department wide meetings
• Meet regularly with Assistant Chief Probation Officer and County Probation Officer as well as others in department to coordinate and implement activities of department
• Maintain accurate files regarding field statistics and narrative reports

When Assigned to Administrative Services

• Plan, direct, coordinate, train and oversee administrative Probation Managers' functions
• Oversee personnel matters, professional standards, retention and recruitment
• Interact with Labor Relations as designated contact
• Identify goals and set training priorities for the Department
• Oversee policy and procedure manual development and update
• Develop and implement evidence based programs, practices and services
• Meet regularly with Assistant Chief Probation Officer and County Probation Officer as well as others in department to coordinate and implement activities of department
• Identify problems, analyze factual data, and draw valid conclusions
• Assist in grant research and applications that apply to field services and juvenile institutions

Arming

• Some assignments within the Probation Department require the willingness and capability to be armed. Authorization to carry a weapon while on duty requires a psychological examination confirming fitness to be armed as well as the successful completion of and weaponry training as required by the department.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in criminology, corrections, social work, psychology, sociology or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years full-time or its equivalent experience in probation or institution work in a California County Probation Department, two (2) years of which must have included management duties equivalent to the classification of Probation Manager in Contra Costa County.

Substitution for Experience: One (1) year of graduate study in social work, psychology, criminology, or sociology at an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the required general probation or institution work. No substitution is allowed of the required management experience.

Substitution for Education: One (1) additional year of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required academic major.

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.Online Virtual Interview: Candidates who clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online virtual interview. Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies assessed, as well as an overall passing score of 70% of higher. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. (Weighted 100%).
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Christine Bissada at christine.bissada@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 2/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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