NOTE: This announcement has been administratively updated in the areas of Minimum Qualifications and Selection Process on May 18, 2026. If you have previously applied, you do not need to apply again.

LATERAL RECRUITMENT

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time.

Please Note: If applying through Indeed, you must complete the City and County of San Francisco application through SmartRecruiters by going to: https://careers.sf.gov/.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Compensation Range & Essential Functions: 8530 Deputy Probation Officer (SFERS)

Both the San Francisco Adult Probation Department ("APD") and Juvenile Probation Department ("JPD") are seeking Deputy Probation Officers through this LATERAL recruitment. If you are an experienced professional looking for an exciting opportunity to work in the world-class city of San Francisco, this is your opportunity to join one of our highly respected probation departments and serve the citizens of one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Successful candidates must have at least 2 years of active experience, a bachelor's degree, and successful completion of a California POST OR STC-certified P.C. 832 Arrest and Control course AND an STC-certified Probation Officer Core course. 

IMPORTANT: Individuals who are not currently employed full-time as a Deputy Probation Officer but have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in a California County Probation Department should not have a separation date greater than six months from the date of application.

Each day, San Francisco Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) have the opportunity to contribute to community safety by actively engaging with at-risk youth and adults. Our department is firmly dedicated to implementing the most effective evidence-based, equitable, and trauma-informed practices to uplift and empower the individuals under our supervision. DPOs work in close cooperation with the County's criminal justice system and partner with Community Based Organizations to offer guidance and support to the population we serve. This is much more than a job; it is an opportunity to build a career of which you can be proud.

The San Francisco Adult Probation Department values the individuality and diversity of justice involved adults, recognize the unique challenges they face, and invest in their success through services designed to help them permanently exit the criminal justice system. Our pretrial, reentry and rehabilitative services complement our supervision strategies by providing a unique blend of opportunity and accountability. We extend a continuum of integrated services to address our client’s criminogenic needs and empower them to become productive members of the community. SFAPD dedicates endless energy toward enhancing public safety, seeking victim restoration and accountability, providing structured and evidence-based supervision, and pretrial services all on the behalf of the Superior Court of San Francisco.

The San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department serves the needs of youth and families who are brought to our attention with care and compassion; identifies and respond to the individual risks and needs presented by each youth, identifies and utilizes the least restrictive interventions and placements that do not compromise public safety; holds youth accountable for their actions while providing them with opportunities and assisting them to develop new skills and competencies; and contributes to the overall quality of life for the citizens of San Francisco within the sound framework of public safety as outlined in the Welfare & Institutions Code.

 ---Job Description: Deputy Probation Officer (SFADP and SFJPD)--- 

INTRODUCTION

Under supervision, conducts general and pre-sentence investigations; investigates and supervises adult or juvenile defendants or court wards; prepares various reports for the courts; prepares recommendations and assists the courts in detention decisions and recommendations for sentencing decisions; supervises and counsels probationers to assist in complying with the court orders, educational and vocational services and family counseling; performs intensive casework management; assists in the training of new and reassigned officers; performs a variety of specialized assignments; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class is unique in that it encompasses a wide range of levels from beginning through the fully experienced journey level. Positions in the class exist in both Adult and Juvenile Probation departments and perform assignments that require a high degree of ability and initiative as experience is gained. It is distinguished from the Supervising Probation Officer, Juvenile Court and Supervising Adult Probation Officer which are first line supervisory classes.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position may coordinate the work of clerical/technical personnel and may be required to supervise other less experienced Deputy Probation Officers in the absence of the Supervising Probation Officer.

Working Conditions

Deputy Probation Officers may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, with hours and locations determined by departmental needs. Officers at the Adult Probation Department may need to carry firearms. Newly hired Adult Probation Officer must complete mandatory training, including firearms training, during their 12-month probationary period.

Ethical conduct is critical, as off-duty behavior can impact employment status. Officers must also meet all requirements to maintain peace officer status under California Government Code regulations. The exam process for this role creates eligible lists to fill vacancies at both the Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments.

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list. An 8530 Deputy Probation Officer may be assigned to any of the department divisions/units or locations.

Deputy Probation Officers serve an essential role in supervising and rehabilitating adults and juveniles in the justice system. This position involves working with individuals who may face significant challenges, including mental health issues, aggressive behavior, or homelessness. Officers conduct interviews and investigations, visit individuals in custody, and gather extensive background information to evaluate the circumstances and needs of those under supervision. They also prepare detailed reports and recommendations to assist courts in detention, sentencing, and case management decisions.

In their daily work, officers may make arrests, conduct home and jail visits, and represent the department in court to address supervision-related matters. They also interact with a variety of stakeholders, including law enforcement, victims, families, employers, and social service agencies, to ensure a coordinated approach to rehabilitation and accountability. A key aspect of the role includes counseling probationers, monitoring compliance with court orders, and connecting individuals to resources such as educational programs, substance abuse treatment, and family counseling.

Officers may participate in specialized assignments targeting high-risk populations, including gang-related offenders, habitual offenders, or those involved in drug-related activities. They may also serve on task forces and collaborate with community organizations to address broader public safety concerns. Beyond direct casework, officers assist in training new staff and may take on supervisory responsibilities as needed.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To succeed as a Deputy Probation Officer, candidates must possess a deep understanding of the causes of crime and delinquency, as well as the principles of supervision and counseling. Knowledge of state, federal, and local laws is essential, along with familiarity with social casework methods, cultural dynamics, and community resources. Proficiency in information systems and the ability to work within an automated environment are also crucial.

Key abilities include effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, as well as the capacity to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and maintain confidentiality. Officers must demonstrate self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate challenging situations with professionalism and tact. Physical fitness and the ability to use a firearm (APD Only), self-defense techniques, restrain individuals, and apply restraint devices like handcuffs are also necessary for the role.

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties in the “Examples of Duties” section of this recruitment.

Knowledge of:
• Elementary psychodynamics of behavior and modes of adjustment.
• Interviewing techniques and effective application of interviewing.
• Training and learning theory techniques, including recreational activity.
• Principles, methods, procedures and facilities used in modern progressive correctional programs, including methods of social casework.
• Concepts and effective techniques in facilitating socio-cultural relationships.
• Social economic and psychological factors, forces and trends relating to crime, delinquency, and social adjustment.
• Social and correctional case and group work.
• Developmental theory and social theory relating to rehabilitation.
• Counseling and guidance principles and principles of normal and abnormal psychology and personality theory.
• Theory, principles and trends of probation work.
• General provisions of the law relating to the legal rights and obligations of adults and juveniles.
• Techniques and methods of investigating and supervising adult and juvenile offenders.
• Operation of Municipal and Superior Courts.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills. 

• Have high ethical standards.

Ability to:

• Verbally communicate, sufficient to communicate with a variety of people in various ethnic, educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Effectively apply interviewing skills, including listening skills.
• Speak publicly including planning and preparation of material and effective presentation, principles of group work and group dynamics.
• Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling and typographical errors.
• Define problems, collect information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to formulate recommendations and solve a wide variety of intellectual and practical problems.
• Write clearly, accurately and concisely, using grammatically correct English to convey ideas in written reports, letters, memoranda, etc.
• Read and interpret complex technical and legal documents in English, such as codes, psychological and medical documents, manuals, etc.
• Be flexible and tolerant in adjusting to changes in workload assignments and work under the stress of meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate interpersonal techniques relating to establishing rapport, tactfulness, controlling stress, gaining confidence and dealing with emotional stress.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Be willing to accept and follow direction.
• Understand one's self and have self-control in relation to self and others (self-awareness).
• Establish and maintain good objective working relationships with clients to determine needs in individual situations and take an effective course of action.
• Analyze complex emotional and behavioral disorders and carry out treatment plans.
• Exercise skilled judgment in the assessment and treatment of probationers, families, and dependent children. 

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please note that the following eligibility requirements will be verified during Background Investigation.

• Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the Social and Behavioral Sciences or Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Driver’s License: Eligible applicants must possess and maintain a valid driver license to operate an automobile at the time of application and throughout the selection process. Possession of a valid California Driver License/Real ID is required prior to the date of hire.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: At least two (2) years of full-time (4160 hours) experience working in a California County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer.

VERIFICATION

Copies of CA STC-certified Probation Core and P.C. 832 training completion certificates must be submitted with your application.

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. Applicant will be required work a non-traditional work schedule i.e. evening, weekends, etc.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:

Training & Experience Examination (100%) 

The Training & Experience Examination will assess applicants' scope and level of professional experience as a sworn peace officer. The Training & Experience Examination score will be used to place candidates on the eligible list. 

Candidates will be notified via email of their pass/fail status on the Training & Experience Examination. 

Eligible List / Certification Rule

Candidates that pass the Training & Experience Examination will have their names added to the eligible list. Candidate names will remain on the list for a maximum period of 12 months. The Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments have the option to hire any candidate on the eligible list (“Rule of the List”). Therefore, placement on this list neither guarantees nor implies that you will be offered employment. The Adult and Juvenile Departments will administer the remaining processes outlined below to determine who shall advance further in the hiring process and be considered for appointment.

All selected candidates are required to successfully complete and pass a POST-guided Background Investigation, conducted in accordance with standards set by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, as a condition of employment. 

After placement on the eligible list, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview with the San Francisco Adult Probation Department and/or the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department.

Candidates that are not selected after the background process will be withdrawn from the eligible list and may re-apply two years from the date of their notification.

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/  .]

In accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 211.16.1, candidates may appeal the administration of the examination components. All appeals must be filed in writing with the Department of Human Resources within five (5) calendar days of the administration of the examination component giving rise to the appeal. A day that the Department of Human Resources is closed shall not be counted as the fifth (5th) calendar day.  Appeals shall be limited as defined in Rule 211.16.1 

SPECIAL NOTES:

Important Information

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Click on the "Apply Now" button on the top or bottom of this page. Follow instructions on the screen to begin the application process.

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. To update your contact information, go to https://www.smartr.me/public/sign-in, Failure to maintain current contact information may result in loss of eligibility.

Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses @sfgov.org and @smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please email [email protected].

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.