Juvenile Institutions Officer

Juvenile Institutions Officer

Salary

$75,408.32 - $96,158.40 Annually

Location

Santa Maria, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-3841-01 (O)

Department

Probation

Opening Date

12/19/2025

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

SALARY / BENEFITS:

$75,408.32 - $96,158.40 Annually, plus bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 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 employees 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 full-time vacancies for the Juvenile Institutions Officer position at the 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 that location. Therefore, applicants must be willing to accept an assignment at the Juvenile Justice Center. It is required that you select the "Santa Maria" location 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, supervises, controls, guides, routinely counsels and motivates a group of youths and young adults in detention and/or treatment facilities; performs related duties as required.

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

• Orients, observes, supervises controls, motivates, counsels, and maintains headcount of youths in a detention and/or treatment facility; enforces disciplinary rules and policies of the institution/facility; delivers medication as prescribed; participates in individual, group, or crisis counseling and facilitates the application of certain programs and compliance with case plans.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates work project details, recreation, and leisure activities for youth detainees; ensures youths complete activities within allotted timeframes.
• Observes and writes reports on the attitude, behavior, and adjustment of youth detainees; recommends intervals at which suicidal youths should be observed; and enters pertinent narrative and statistical information into computer programs.
• Supervises youth and young adults detainees during showers in order to ensure hygiene and security; supervises youth and young adults in performing work details.
• Receives and releases youth and young adults; may make intake and release decisions; contacts and informs parents/guardians of case status; supervises visits between parents and youths; supervises youths who are on alternative release status or on probation and living at home.
• Redirects and/or physically restrains assaultive youths; secures and transports detained youth and young adults.
• Participates in the development of case plans; participates in team meetings with youth/young adults and family members, schools, and mental health professionals to determine case plan objectives and treatment goals.
• Occasionally assists in the routine preparation and serving/distribution of meals.
• May train colleagues in a specialized area of expertise; may train and guide Extra Help employees and volunteers.
• May act as lead officer of a shift, as needed.

Employment Standards

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards.

In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications:

• A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (Some examples of positions with relatable experience include: social workers, case managers, coaches, correctional officers, guidance counselors, behavioral counselors, development advisors, behavioral specialists, resource specialists, programs coordinators, teachers aides, special education coordinators, camp counselors, youth leaders, psychiatric technicians, teachers, those with military service, and crisis intervention specialists); OR,

• Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. - note that no degree is required, and job-related experience may be substituted for the required education.

Additional Requirements:

• Appointees must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California 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 (this includes a polygraph examination); and no 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.
• Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must have successfully completed "Core" training and an introductory law enforcement procedures program (PC 832), certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Driver's license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently.
• All appointees must successfully complete 40 hours of intense, on-the-job training, which focuses on facility security and operations, psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adult offenders, and the growth, development, needs, and problems of youth and young adults.
• Some positions in this classification may require incumbents to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver License. Appointees to those positions requiring a Class B license will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; 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; report writing; standard computer applications used in an office; basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and percentages.

Ability to: Read and comprehend materials; learn and apply psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth involved in the justice system; learn about the growth, development, needs, and issues of youth; gain the confidence and respect of youths; supervise youths; perceive, evaluate, and de-escalate or resolve tense group situations; make rational decisions; observe, recall, and document behavior; note behavior patterns and behavior changes for signs of potential problems; read, understand, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures; enforce rules while maintaining flexibility; counsel and motivate individuals and groups and provide support and control as needed; work with youths in an assertive, calm manner; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work well under pressure; work in a structured, regimented work environment; meet deadlines; maintain professional ethics; learn and follow County and departmental policies, goals, and objectives; drive safely and legally; work harmoniously with others; maintain confidentiality and impartiality; maintain professional demeanor even when dealing with hostile or abusive individuals; use a computer keyboard.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 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.

Supplemental Information

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.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment.
• Computerized Written Examination: Candidates who passed the PHQ will be notified via email with instructions for taking a computerized examination. Based on number of candidates who are invited to the exam, the testing format and/or testing dates could be subject to change.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on a Computerized Written 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 six 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.

A "Candidate Orientation Booklet" is available for the multiple-choice portion of the exam. The booklet provides an overview of the exam format and some sample questions. The booklet is not intended to be a study guide but is aimed at reducing test anxiety and giving candidates some information about what to expect on the test.

Please Note: The Santa Barbara County Human Resources Department does not have copies of this booklet.

Use the following link to access the booklet: https://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/COB.pdf

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.

Veterans preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by the Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veterans preference points, you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the test date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

All candidates for the job of Juvenile Institutions Officer must successfully complete the following:

• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver.
• POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation.

After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following:

• PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION is given by a psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of Juvenile Institutions Officer.
• MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointee is subject to a medical examination.
• Submit written documentation of his/her LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK in the United States.

The appointee must 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: Recruitment open continuously, until positions have been filled.

Applications and job bulletins 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, Supervising Probation Officer, 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

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 email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.

• I understand

04

This position requires that you are willing to work at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center, located in Santa Maria, California. In order for your application to be considered, make sure you check "Santa Maria" on your application.

• I understand and I am willing to work at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center located in Santa Maria, California.
• I am not willing to work at the Santa Maria Juvenile Justice Center.

05

To be considered for this position your application MUST meet one of the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS listed below: Please select which EMPLOYMENT STANDARD you meet to qualify for this position.

• 1) A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (Some examples of positions with relatable experience include: social workers, case managers, coaches, correctional officers, guidance counselors, behavioral counselors, development advisors, behavioral specialists, resource specialists, programs coordinators, teachers aids, special education coordinators, camp counselors, youth leaders, psychiatric technicians, teachers, those with military service, and crisis intervention specialists); OR,
• 2) Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. - note that no degree is required, and job-related experience may be substituted for the required education.
• None of the above - I do not qualify for this position

06

If you selected Employment Standard 1 provide your combination of training, education, and experience: A) Provide any work experience that is equivalent to the knowledge & abilities. B) Provide any training that is equivalent to the knowledge & abilities.

07

The following questions are characteristics of a Juvenile Institutions Officer. 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

08

Depending on assignment or work load, are you willing to work on standby duty, where you may be called to work outside normal business hours?

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that this position requires me to supervise youth and young adults while they are showering.

• Yes
• No

10

Do you understand you may need to physically restrain a subject if necessary?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you willing to work 12-hour shifts, such as 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing to wear a uniform in accordance with departmental policy?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you willing to work weekends and holidays (including Thanksgiving and Christmas)?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you willing to work with youth/young adults and staff from a variety of economic and cultural backgrounds?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you able to maintain confidentiality of information, such as arrest and conviction records, medical history, and mental health status?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you able to withstand verbal assaults without losing self-control?

• Yes
• No

17

Are you willing to perform CPR/First Aid on a person if necessary?

• Yes
• No

18

Are you willing to refrain from associating with justice-involved individuals in accordance with the Santa Barbara County Probation Departments Policies and procedures?

• Yes
• No

19

Are you willing and able to be honest in every part of the examination/hiring process?

• Yes
• No

20

I understand that as part of the selection process for Juvenile Institutions Officer; I will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Once I have been given a conditional job offer and accept it, I will undergo a psychological and physical examination. Any falsification of information, with holding of information or failure to meet the standards listed above during this process will result in my disqualification. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information listed above.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty