Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior

Description SALARY / BENEFITS: $80,277.60 - $102,487.84 Annually, plus bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable. DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION: This position is limited to the regular employees of the County of Santa Barbara Probation Department. BENEFITS OVERVIEW Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays: 13 days per year. Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age of 2. For County benefits, please visit here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill vacancies for the Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior position at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center, located in Santa Maria, California. We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill current and future vacancies at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center. Therefore, applicants must be willing to accept an initial assignment at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center. It is required that you select "Santa Maria" on the application to be considered. Some positions that may be filled by this recruitment have been vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CS Rule 1414) and the duration of those appointments shall be subject to the return of the individuals who are on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CS Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. THE POSITION: Under direction, assumes lead responsibility over other officers engaged in the supervision, control, guidance, motivation, and routine counseling of a group of youth and young adults in detention and/or treatment facilities; and performs related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is distinguished from Juvenile Institutions Officer (JIO) by its responsibility for lead functions in assigning and reviewing work, assistance in training staff, responsibility for a specialized program, and for the occasional supervision of operations of a probation institution/facility in the absence of the Deputy Probation Officer, Senior. The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess Strong written, and verbal communication Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness Excellent command presence Good moral character Credibility Integrity Examples of Duties Serves as lead worker on shift by assigning and reviewing work of staff; instructs new JIOs and Extra Help staff in daily routine including security, safety, operations, and procedures; provides input to supervisor on evaluations of officers in unit; and ensures delivery of medications to youth and young adults during shift. Receives youth and young adults into the facility; makes detention or release decisions by evaluating detention intake criteria; contacts and informs parents/guardians of case status; assigns security status to youth and young adults; classifies youth and young adults by evaluating case factors; review bookings and case histories of youth and young adults and provides relevant information about youth and young adults to other agencies, such as Social Services, Behavioral Wellness, or law enforcement; and evaluates and determines eligibility status of youth and young adults for home passes/furloughs. Advises, corrects, directs, motivates, and counsels youth and young adults as needed individually or in groups, or in writing; enforces disciplinary policies of the institution by updating security status of youth and young adults, removing youth/young adults from the group, restoring/removing privileges, and/or documenting rule violations; responds to grievances of youth and young adults; conducts individual, group, or crisis counseling; and contacts mental health workers at facility to report the emotional stability and security status of youth and young adults. Prepares or reviews reports of staff activities, Worker Special Reports, progress reports for court, youth and young adult admissions and releases, and chronological behavioral reports on youth and young adults; and keeps records of and documents shift activities in End of Shift Summaries. Ensures security and safety of facility and youth and young adults by orienting new detainees and aiding them in adjusting to custody status; controls youth and young adults in detention or treatment facility by informing them of rules, motivating them to succeed, correcting behavior, and physically redirecting and/or restraining if necessary; screens visitors to determine safety and security risk to facility prior to admittance; and monitors visits between parents and detainees. May coordinate a program such as early release, home supervision, home passes/furloughs, detention alternatives, educational presentations, or volunteers. Responds to emergency situations by taking appropriate actions such as securing facility, notifying authorities and documenting the incident; may administer first aid and CPR. Meets with supervisor to seek direction when appropriate, and keeps supervisor apprised of institutional issues including movements of youth and young adults, and interacting or coordinating activities with other departments; oversees facility in absence of supervisor. Performs various administrative tasks for facility operation and maintenance, such as maintaining inventories and ordering supplies; assists in the development of procedure manuals for facility; contacts vendors to repair equipment; conducts tours of the facility; assists in preparing facility for annual inspections. Performs other staff work, such as preparing meals, meal distribution, and cleaning detail. May perform various recordkeeping tasks on a computer; checks booking sheet and may enter information in automated booking system; and generate reports as needed or requested in automated system. This classification includes assignments such as Community Transition Officer, Program Officer and Institutions Training Officer. Employment Standards To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards. Applicants will need to attach all relevant degrees and/or unofficial transcripts to their application. In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, with a major in behavioral sciences, social sciences, criminology, or a related field; or, AND two years of experience supervising youth/young adults in a detention and/or residential treatment facility; or, two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer with Santa Barbara County; or, a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Additional Requirements Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031 including, but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned), good moral character as determined through a background check, and free from any physical, mental, or emotional condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required. Driver's license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently. Some positions in this class may require incumbents to obtain and maintain a California Class B Driver's License for the purposes of transporting youth/young adults in a commercial vehicle. Once an incumbent has obtained the Class B Driver's License, he/she will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to being assigned work requiring such a license; once assigned, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis. Knowledge of: Standard English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage; college-level report writing; standard computer applications used in an office; psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adult offenders; safety and security measures in a treatment or detention facility; basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and percentages. Ability to: Supervise detainees in an institutional environment and gain their confidence and respect while maintaining safety and security of the facility; identify, evaluate, and resolve tense group situations as they develop and accept responsibility for decisions; direct, correct, advise, motivate, and counsel individuals and groups; communicate effectively one-on-one with detainees, parents, colleagues, and others; make effective discretionary decisions; work well under pressure and emergency situations; organize own work and that of others and set priorities to meet deadlines; read, understand, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures related to youth and young adult detention and treatment; implement County and departmental policies, procedures, goals, and objectives; recall and document behavior of clients; identify behavior patterns and behavior changes of clients for signs of potential problems; establish and maintain effective relationships with others such as parents of youth and young adults, law enforcement, social services, and other agencies' staff; read and comprehend material at college level; prepare memos and reports using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; keep basic records; plan, organize, and coordinate special programs such as recreational and work programs, volunteer programs for facility, and counseling services; maintain confidentiality of youth and young adult records; use a computer to enter and access youth and young adult bookings and records and to document and transmit facility information and reports. Desirable Qualifications Knowledge of: adolescent psychology, juvenile justice, juvenile delinquency, counseling, basic knowledge of the criminal justice system; Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Probation Department policies and procedures, and County Policies; Probation Department policies and procedures related to youth/young adult treatment and detention; training techniques and methods to conduct sessions on policies, procedures, and methods of handling youth/young adults in a locked facility. Ability to: assign and review work of employees on shift. Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with related course work focus is desirable. Bilingual skills: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7. Certificates: Possession of First Aid and CPR certificates. Possession of 832 PC and BSCC Core Certificates. Supplemental Information APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review - Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Oral Board Examination: The oral board examinations are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, via ZOOM. Candidates will be notified by email with instructions. Based on the number of candidates who are invited to the oral examination, the dates could be subject to change. The oral examinations may be eliminated if there are fewer than sixteen (16) qualified candidates. Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the oral examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list and exact duration of the employment list. REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. Incumbents must work in a structured, regimented work environment that includes working shifts, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents must enforce rules while maintaining flexibility, and adhere to professional ethics in working with youth and young adults; wear required uniform; stand for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per shift); work outdoors in a varying climate; may perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The appointee must also satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period. Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code Section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization. APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST. Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job postings can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com. If you have questions regarding the recruitment not answered in this job announcement, please email Marisa Ortiz, Deputy Probation Officer, Supervising at marreol@countyofsb.org Retirement Plans Generous County Defined Benefit Plan Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com Health Benefits Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more! For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits Paid Time Off Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below) Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below) Miscellaneous Benefits County Paid Term Life Insurance County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance Childcare and Employee Discounts Relocation Assistance may apply Flexible work schedule may apply For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits Compensation Summary To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/1460/Probation-Peace-Officers-Association This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment. 01 I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application. I understand 02 I understand, as part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire I understand 03 The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your e-mails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our e-mails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed. I understand 04 This position requires that you are willing to work in Santa Maria, California, at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center, and you are agreeing to these terms, regardless of your selection on your application. All candidates hired can be placed at any location and transferred to another location during your employment with Santa Barbara County. I understand and agree to the terms. I do not agree to the terms above. I understand that I will no longer be part of the process for this position. 05 It should be noted that all applicants are REQUIRED to have 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, or equivalent, with a major in behavioral sciences, social sciences, criminology, or a related field. You are REQUIRED to attach your unofficial college transcripts. You may also email a copy of your unofficial transcripts to Marisa Ortiz at marreol@countyofsb.org. I understand 06 If you have an international degree, please attach your documentation from an evaluation service that shows you meet the U.S. education standards and your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of evaluation services you can use. http://www.naces.org/members.html You are required to attach your evaluation service documents to your application. This is your only opportunity to provide such documentation. You may skip this question if you do not have an international degree. I have an international degree and have attached the required documents. I have international degree, but do not have the required documents. I understand that I do not qualify for this position. 07 To be considered for the Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior position you MUST meet one of the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS listed below: Please select which EMPLOYMENT STANDARD you meet to qualify for this position. 1) Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, with a major in behavioral sciences, social sciences, criminology, or a related field; AND two years of experience supervising youth/young adults in a detention and/or residential treatment facility; or 2) 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, with a major in behavioral sciences, social sciences, criminology, or a related field; AND two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department; or, 3) A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. None of the above 08 If you selected Employment Standard 1 please list your experience supervising youth/young adults in a detention and/or residential treatment facility. If you did not select this answer option, please type "N/A." 09 If you selected Employment Standard 2, please describe your experience and length of time performing duties equivalent to the class of Juvenile Institutions Officer with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department. If you did not select this answer option, please type "N/A." 10 If you selected Employment Standard 3, please provide your training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards above and provides the required knowledge & abilities. If you did not select this answer option, please type "N/A." 11 Some positions may require you to Speak, Read, and Write in English and Spanish. Please check your fluency. English only Fluent speaking in English and Spanish Fluent speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish 12 The following questions are characteristics that are REQUIRED of a Juvenile Institutions Officer, Senior. Please note that if you select "no" for any of the questions below, this position may not be a good fit for you. I understand 13 Are you able to maintain confidentiality of information, such as arrest and conviction records, medical history, and mental health status? Yes No 14 Are you willing/able to monitor detainees while they are showering? Yes No 15 Are you willing to perform CPR/First Aid on a person if necessary? Yes No 16 Are you willing to physically restrain a youth or young adult if necessary? Yes No 17 Are you willing to work 12-hour shifts, such as 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM? Yes No 18 Are you willing to work weekends and holidays (including Thanksgiving and Christmas)? Yes No 19 Are you willing to wear a uniform in accordance with departmental policy? Yes No 20 Are you willing to refrain from associating with justice-involved individuals in accordance with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department's Policies and Procedures? Yes No 21 I understand the oral examination will be used as a scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules I understand Required Question Employer County of Santa Barbara Address 1226 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, California, 93101 Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty