Parole Agent II, Youth Authority (Specialist)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction, as a specialist, to perform unusually difficult and responsible casework and parole duties in a Youth Authority institution or parole program; function as a resident parole agent; and to do other related work.
Positions in this class are not supervisory.
Typical Tasks
In a Parole Operation:
Performs specialized and unusually responsible duties in parole or preparole work; counsels wards and parolees, helps them to understand their problems, and adapts the parole program to the individual; interviews friends and relatives of wards and parolees and interprets to them the preparole and parole program; investigates parole plans to determine acceptability; keeps informed as to the policies and standards of the Youthful Offender Parole Board and the Department of the Youth Authority; develops community resources and secures the cooperation of other agencies concerned with rehabilitation and treatment of wards and parolees; makes recommendations to the Youthful Offender Parole Board for placement and changes in individual conditions of parole required for effective rehabilitation; investigates cases of parole violators, compiles evidence required to effect the revocation of parole, and apprehends violators for return to custody; may carry a distinctive caseload requiring special expertise; may develop specialty programs or serve as a resource specialist with respect to these programs; works closely with management to integrate and coordinate these programs within the existing structure; serves as the Department's representative in an area geographically remote or relatively inaccessible for parolees to the unit headquarters; operates a motor vehicle; trains staff and/or recommends appropriate training; performs duties related to the Interstate Compacts; conducts special studies as assigned; in the absence of supervisory staff, may perform leadperson responsibilities; may be responsible for the daily operation of a small suboffice; prepares case histories; dictates correspondence; and prepares reports.
In an Institution Setting:
Assists in developing and monitoring the total treatment program by providing consultation and training to treatment team staff; assists in development of wards' classification system and assigns wards to resident halls consistent with their classification; utilizes casework methods in the supervision of wards and makes individual diagnoses and progress reports indicating case prognosis; evaluates institutional experience and training in terms of field placement; operates a motor vehicle; develops and maintains contacts with private industry and community resources; and recommends and develops employment programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Parole Agent I, Youth Authority, or a Casework Specialist, Youth Authority.
Or II
Experience: Two years of experience in social casework with a case load of youthful offenders; or two years supervising social caseworkers with a case load of youthful offenders. (One year of graduate education in sociology, psychology, criminology, or in a recognized school of social work may be substituted for one year of the required experience.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for not more than two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and trends in rehabilitation, parole, and social casework; methods used and problems involved in the supervision and rehabilitation of youthful offenders; causes, extent, and treatment of juvenile delinquency; organization and functions of the Youthful Offender Parole Board and the Department of the Youth Authority; California laws relating to youthful offenders; the Youth Authority Act; court decisions affecting the rights of parolees; placement, probation, and parole services to youthful offenders; employment conditions and opportunities in California and facilities available for instruction, training, and placement of youthful offenders; vocational and educational counseling; organizations, facilities, and services of public and private welfare and employment agencies available to youthful offenders; peace officer duties and responsibilities of Youth Authority employees as defined in the Penal Code; functions and procedures of State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies.
Ability to: Plan and organize the work of others; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; prepare reports; communicate effectively.
Special Personal Characteristics
Interest in the rehabilitation of youthful offenders; ability to gain the confidence of youthful offenders; willingness to travel and to perform work requiring irregular hours; satisfactory record as a law- abiding citizen; tact; emotional stability and maturity; reliability; and neat personal appearance.
Age Limitation
Minimum age for appointment is 21 years of age.
Peace Officer Standards
Citizenship Requirement: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. Citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. Citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.
Felony Disqualification: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179(b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1772(b). Except as provided for by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.
Firearm Conviction Disqualification: Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under his/her control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in this classification.
Background Investigation: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029.1, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Persons who have previously undergone a Youth Authority background investigation may be required to undergo only a partial background investigation.
Medical Requirement: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons appointed to a peace officer class shall undergo a medical examination to determine that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively.
Drug Testing Requirement: Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug-screening test. (The drug-screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated "sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.)
Training Requirements: Under provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of a training course in laws of arrest, search and seizure, and in firearms and chemical agents is a requirement for permanent status in this classification.
