Job Details

Probation Corrections Officer I

Make a lasting impact as a Probation Corrections Officer I at Sonoma County Juvenile Hall! Starting salary up to $42.01/hour ($87,679/year) and a competitive total compensation package!

The Probation Corrections Officer (PCO) I position offers a challenging and rewarding start to a career helping our community's residents. In addition to learning the fundamental principles of the juvenile justice system, PCOs have the unique opportunity to use their skills to directly and positively influence the course of a person's life. As a PCO I, you will perform a wide variety of duties related to the care, guidance, and supervision of detained residents in the Probation Department's Juvenile Hall. Responsibilities include:

• Communicating directly with detained residents on an individual or group basis, while mentoring, counseling, and applying crisis intervention skills
• Assisting in the supervision of residents engaged in daily activities such as hygiene, meals, school, physical exercise, structured programs, leisure time, and visitation
• Maintaining ongoing security checks and overseeing the activities of offenders detained in Probation facilities
• Performing administrative and operational duties, including data entry using justice system databases
• Transporting residents in a County vehicle to and from various locations

Ideal candidates will possess experience providing services and support to individuals with diverse backgrounds, working with challenging populations (i.e., youth/adults with mental health conditions, youth/adult offenders, youth in crisis), and/or experience applying evidence-based programming practices/concepts.

What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Probation Corrections Officer II (up to $102,248 annually)
• Bilingual Premium Pay* - An additional $1.15/1.50/hour on top of the hourly pay rate for basic/fluent bilingual positions
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, and 12 paid holidays
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association's Memorandum Of Understanding (SCLEA MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple, full-time Probation Corrections Officer I positions in the Probation Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions that may occur during the active status of the employment list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

The tentative date of the written examination is: Thursday, December 17, 2026 Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education : Any combination of experience, education, and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to qualify is: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable General Educational Development (GED) certificate, as required to meet the minimum standards for Peace Officer status under California Government Code, Section 1031 AND Option 1 : Six months of experience working with and/or providing direction or supervision to juvenile or adult groups as a group or youth counselor or other experience related to counseling or case management of troubled youth AND completion of fifteen (15) semester college units. Coursework in psychology, sociology, criminology, child development, social welfare, recreation, or other closely related social/behavioral science fields is highly desired. OR Option 2 : Completion of thirty (30) semester college units. Coursework in psychology, sociology, criminology, child development, social welfare, recreation, or other closely related social/behavioral science fields is highly desired. OR Option 3 : One (1) year of experience working in public safety, law enforcement, a residential treatment facility, or a social services agency.

Additional Requirements: In accordance with California Government Code, Section 1029 - 1031, and the California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 131, Minimum Standards for Selection, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law; have no prior felony conviction nor be under current formal probation supervision; and achieved a passing score on the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) selection exam, or equivalent prior to appointment. Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo and successfully complete finger printing, an in-depth background investigation, including a psychological evaluation, criminal history check, a medical examination, and physical agility testing. Candidates must be willing to wear a uniform, work non-traditional hours, and different work shifts, including weekends and holidays. Candidates may be required to work overtime and cannot leave the facility unless relieved. Incumbents in the Probation Corrections Officer I classification are Peace Officers as defined by Penal Code Section 830.5. Existing law requires Peace Officers to meet specific minimum standards, including age (21 years at time of appointment) and education requirements. Incumbents must successfully complete Penal Code 832 Arrest and Control training and the BSCC Juvenile Correctional Officer Core Course within one year of appointment. Individuals hired into this job classification shall serve a probationary period of one year. License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of California Class C driver's license is required by date of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of evidence-based practices; trauma-informed care; factors that influence human behavior, particularly as they relate to child development, transitional aged youth development, and personality, behavior patterns, motivation, and group and family dynamics; methods of guidance, counseling, conflict resolution, and behavioral modification; basic engagement and coaching principles; personal hygiene techniques and methods for instructing residents in maintaining proper self-care; recreation activities commonly enjoyed by youth and young adults; child abuse reporting laws; department policies, regulations, and functions; food preparation and service; first aid and CPR. Ability to : effectively communicate orally and in writing, listen actively; read and comprehend instructions and standards, and apply them to a variety of situations; make and record detailed observations; write descriptive narratives, including incident or other reports; exercise good judgment and adopt effective courses of action in emergency situations; learn and integrate new technical skills and knowledge; problem solve, think critically, prioritize, and work under pressure; be flexible, dependable, and adapt to changing situations; identify officer safety issues; de-escalate interactions with residents who are highly emotional and/or aggressive; understand and accept differences in human behavior; effectively interact with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, generational, and/or socio-economic backgrounds; establish and maintain appropriate relationships with residents; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, health and social service providers, families, law enforcement agencies, other County Departments, and the public; learn to guide, teach, and supervise residents while maintaining appropriate boundaries, particularly when working with individuals experiencing mental health conditions; apply first aid to residents and staff; assist residents in developing personal hygiene skills; provide age appropriate recreation activities; perform light janitorial, sanitation, and maintenance tasks; supervise and direct groups of residents during programming, meal, and leisure time activities; establish credibility and persuade others; maintain composure in a stressful environment; learn to effectively subdue, restrain, and control residents