Probation Officer I

Job Description

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Probation Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Probation Department located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Typical Duties

• Perform Peace Officer duties as defined by PC 830.5.
• Investigate, report and make recommendations on cases referred to the Probation Department by the courts.
• Review the personal history, family environment, social and economic conditions.
• Determine the cause of the individuals’ behavior and establish a basis for recommending services.
• Conduct interviews with clients and administer evidence-based assessments.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click Probation Officer I.

Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Peace Officer Status Requirements:

• Deputy Probation Officers are peace officers and must meet all the minimum standards pursuant to California Penal and Government codes.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in one of the behavioral or social sciences.

Education Equivalency:

• Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge of:

• Counseling theories and techniques appropriate to probation work.
• Interviewing methods and techniques.
• Social theory and different cultural value systems.
• U.S. Monetary system and family budgeting.

Skill/Ability to:

• Pass a Peace Officer Background Investigation.
• Present and substantiate facts in verbal and written reports.
• Apply interviewing techniques.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members, general public and other agencies.

See the full list in link.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.
• Earned certificates for the successful completion of 832 PC - Laws of Arrest, Probation Officer Core, and Bridge Core in the first year of hire.
• Earned certificate for the successful completion of 832 PC Firearms within the first year of hire.
• Successfully pass department qualifications with a department issued firearm within the first year of hire.
• Earned certificate for completion of CPR/First Aid training within the first year of hire.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Search, seizure and detention methods.
• Provisions of Penal code, Welfare and Institutions Code and other applicable laws and code sections.
• Case law and court procedures.
• Tulare County Probation Department rules and regulations.
• Available community resources and nature of their services to meet needs of clients in rehabilitation programs.
• Symptoms, effects and proper tests of drug and alcohol use/abuse.
• Juvenile detention facility operations and procedures.

Skill/Ability to:

• Conduct investigations, gather and evaluate evidence, formulate recommendations.
• Maintain a variety of records pertaining to probation work.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment:
Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act:
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 12

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave : 12 set days and one personal holiday

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Career Incentive Pay

Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation – 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below.

Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D : $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Long Term Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee. Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Deferred Compensation : A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 9/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific