CHIEF ADULT PROBATION OFFICER

$131,326 - $194,012

City and County of San Francisco:  San Francisco is the only city in California with a consolidated City/County government. Governing authority is vested in an 11-member Board of Supervisors, elected by district with each supervisor serving a four-year term.  The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the City and is also elected by voters to a four-year term.

The Position:  This key executive serves an important role in carrying out the responsibilities of the Department and is subject to the direction of the Superior Court with input from the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor.  In this high-level capacity, the Chief Adult Probation Officer formulates policies and procedures for the administration of the Adult Probation Department; plans, directs and evaluates program operations; prepares budgetary estimates and justifications; makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and at other public forums; and seeks outside funding to augment the Department’s budget.  The Chief Adult Probation Officer is also a key contributor to the various criminal justice task force committees and will be seen as a strategic and forward-thinking professional working toward developing a stronger, more integrated community corrections model.  In addition to the overall management of the Department, the Chief Adult Probation Officer will be involved in incorporating effective reform strategies and further introducing contemporary models supported by evidence-based programs.  The Chief Adult Probation Officer is a member of the County Parole Commission.  The Chief Adult Probation Officer is expected to maintain cooperative working relationships with other county, state, and federal criminal justice agencies, as well as with other groups and organizations interested in prevention and rehabilitation programs for adult offenders.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:  The Chief Adult Probation Officer will have proven outstanding leadership qualities which will bring strength, stability and credibility to the position and programs, as well as contributing strong management to Department staff. 

The selected candidate will have executive level experience necessary to: 

•Provide executive leadership for adult probation programs that encourages, values and effectively uses alternatives to incarceration, as appropriate and lawful.  Initiate and implement evidence based practices in order to establish the Department as a leader in the profession both within California and across the nation; 

•Instill change within the organization to more fully embrace an aggressive and progressive approach to delivering services with the goal of reducing recidivism; 

•Actively pursue and cultivate collaborative working relationships with a wide array of stakeholders including public officials, social service agencies, public and mental health, community based organizations, various segments of the justice system, labor unions and the media; 

•Take an active and aggressive role in monitoring and evaluating pending legislation on a local, state and national level;  

•Provide strong fiscal management, accountability and oversee annual budget; 

•Effectively manage the organization through subordinate staff to oversee the annual budget, financial matters including funding, personnel management and administration, procurement and contract administration; and 

•Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a large, complex organization in an open, approachable, honest and forthright manner.

QUALIFYING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  A degree from an academically accredited college or university in a behavioral science, social work, criminal justice, public administration or a related field.  Advanced degree is preferred, but not required. 

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible social welfare experience in the field of probation, community corrections, parole, or human services, especially as applied to adult or family casework, including five years of responsible supervisory and administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Requires comprehensive knowledge of: social, economic and psychological factors contributing to criminal and other antisocial behavior; the applicable provisions of the law relating to the functions and duties of the probation officer and the legal rights and obligations of adult offenders; the organization, operations and procedures of the Superior Court and Adult Probation Department.   Candidates who have had experience working in an ethnic and culturally diverse urban environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:  To be considered, candidates must submit a:

 · Compelling cover letter;

· Comprehensive resume;

 · Salary history; and

 · Five professional references.

 This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout the process.  References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Resume packages must be sent or delivered to the Human Resources Office, 400 McAllister Street, and Room 205, San Francisco, CA 94102, by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2009, by personal delivery, interoffice mail, or U. S. Mail.  Facsimile or any other electronic filing system will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure that this office receives their application packet by the final filing time and date.  Application packets received after that date, regardless of when they were mailed or sent will not be accepted. 

The Superior Court of California, county of San Francisco is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants shall not be favored or discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical handicap, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital status, color, medical condition, or other non-merit factors.

The Court:  The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, has 52 judges.  The California Penal Code directs that the Chief Adult Probation Officer is appointed by and reports to the Judges of the Superior Court.

THE ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT

MISSION

 “Protecting the Community, Serving Justice and Changing Lives”

                                                                                      VISION

 “The San Francisco Adult Probation Department achieves excellence in community corrections and contributes to public safety and public service.  We collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies providing a unique blend of enforcement, treatment, and victim awareness.  We are leaders in our profession, exemplifying the highest standards in the field of community corrections.   In cooperation with the community, we extend a continuum of integrated services that empowers offenders to become productive, law-abiding citizens.”

 The Department’s annual operating budget is approximately $12,213,000 in addition to several state and federally funded grants.  91 of the Department’s 114 positions are currently staffed. 

 Major services include:

 ADULT INVESTIGATION:  Preparation of approximately 3,200 pre-plea and pre-sentence reports annually.

ADULT SUPERVISION:  Supervision of approximately 6,700 offenders, using a risk/needs assessment system to guide service and supervision.  Special programs within the Supervision Division include intensive Supervision, Drug Diversion, Drug Abatement, Drug Court, and Gangs, age 18 - 25 Transitional Age Youth, Homeless and Domestic Violence.