Parole Agent III, Adult Parole
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XE50
Class Code: 9760
Established: 11/03/1966
Revised: 05/08/1990
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under direction, to (1) supervise a unit office in the State adult parole program; (2) supervise Parole Agents and other staff in a major program phase of the adult parole program, including the reentry program, the hearing program, the interstate parole program, and the community-based placement program; or (3) on a rotational basis, perform specialized and highly responsible assignments in a staff capacity, assisting Division Executive staff in developing policies, procedures, and programs; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Supervises Parole Agents performing parole work; trains staff, evaluate performance, and takes or recommends appropriate action; instructs subordinates in the policies, programs, and procedures of the Parole and Community Services Division and adult paroling boards; confers with Parole Agents on case problems and appropriate supervision; reviews reports to paroling authorities for content and quality; approves and supplements reports and recommendations to paroling authorities regarding status of parolees/releasees; participates in preparation of action plans related to individualized supervision of parolees/releasees based on assessed risks and needs; reviews Parole Agent caseloads periodically to determine compliance with established reporting, assessment, update expectations, and other required support systems; reviews updated case supervision plans established to meet changing parolee/releasee risks and needs; conducts planning conference with Parole Agents preparatory to arrest, search, investigations, and crisis intervention including safety and tactical issues, use of appropriate safety equipment, and the legal parameters, constraints and scope of the activity; acts as the on-scene tactical commander/coordinator in field parole situations involving multiple agencies, including follow-up debriefing with staff involved; prepares reports including data on the measurable indexes of defined parole work success; cooperates with law enforcement agencies in the sharing of requested information on parolees; makes recommendations on revocations of parole; monitors the timely processing of parolees/releasees in custody involved in parole revocation proceedings or awaiting return to institutions by paroling authority order; makes continue-on-parole decisions or alternate recommendations for parolees/releasees; periodically functions as Administrative Officer of the Day during nonoffice hours for entire region, and in that capacity provides authorization for arrests, searches, and placement of parole detainers; supervises routine use of safety equipment including firearms, chemical agents, soft body armor, restraint equipment, and vehicles to assure compliance with legal and policy guidelines/constraints; assures safe handling and storage of such safety equipment; represents the Parole and Community Services Division at conferences and speaks before interested groups; makes confidential investigations of cases of paroled or discharged adult offenders who have made application for a certificate of rehabilitation, commutation of sentence or pardon; investigates and prepares detailed reports for the Governor's Office in death penalty cases; and makes special investigations for paroling boards or Regional Administrator.
As Headquarter's Community Reentry Supervisor, in addition to some of the tasks stated above, the incumbent is responsible for the day- to-day operation of the headquarter's reentry program unit; supervises community reentry staff; functions as headquarters liaison to Regional Reentry Supervisors; coordinates the reporting of statewide community-based program operations; coordinates and assists parole regions in negotiations with public and private agencies for use in contract development; and interprets program policies and directives.
As Regional Reentry Supervisor, in addition to some of the tasks stated above, the incumbent manages the regional reentry program; provides final approval of inmate eligibility for release to a community reentry program; and reviews inmate disciplinary actions for appropriateness and completeness.
As Regional Hearing Coordinator, in addition to some of the tasks stated above, the incumbent supervises Parole Agents acting as the District Hearing Agents; reviews reports regarding violations of parole; coordinates with the Board of Prison Terms, the scheduling of parole violation hearings; and coordinates the security, location, and inmate transportation for the hearings with the District Hearing Agents.
As Regional Interstate Supervisor, in addition to some of the tasks stated above, the incumbent is responsible for overall direction of the Interstate Program; supervises staff of the Interstate Unit; provides technical assistance to field units; has administrative control of cooperative cases in California; coordinates with other states to ensure that policy and procedures of the Interstate Compact Agreement are adhered to; and develops operating manual procedures to conform to program changes.
As manager of a State-operated community-based reentry facility, in addition to some of the tasks stated above, the incumbent supervises staff in the housing and supervision of reentry inmates; is responsible for reentry program activities; reviews reports prepared on inmates in the facility; provides liaison on reentry inmates with community agencies and law enforcement agencies; and provides for return of inmates to institutions.
As an assistant to the Division's Executive Staff, the incumbent develops and prepares various policies, procedures and programs related to the operation of the Parole and Community Services Division. Staff specialist positions are nonsupervisory, and are filled on a rotational basis. Such assignments are for less than three years, and incumbents are expected to rotate to supervisory positions at the end of the assignment.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
In the California state service either:
1. One year of experience performing correctional casework duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Parole Agent II, Adult Parole; or
2. Three years of experience performing correctional casework duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Parole Agent I, Adult Parole.
Or II
Experience: Two years of experience in supervising a caseload of individuals in one or a combination of the following fields:
1. Probation or parole; or
2. Social casework or rehabilitation counseling; or
3. Medical, psychiatric, or correctional casework involving persons with criminal offense background.
(Completion of one year of graduate training in a recognized school in a field of social work, criminology, sociology, correctional science, administration of justice, or other related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.) (Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must be in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Parole Agent II, Adult Parole.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for not more than two years of required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and trends in correctional casework; methods used and problems involved in the supervision and rehabilitation of parolees/releasees/inmates; laws pertaining to prisons, probation and parolees; organization and functions of the Department of Corrections, Parole and Community Services Division, and adult paroling authorities; principles and methods of making investigations and obtaining evidence; laws of arrest, rules of evidence and court procedure; organizations, facilities, and services of public and private welfare and employment agencies available to parolees/releasees/inmates; functions and procedures of State, and county, and municipal law enforcement agencies; principles of supervision; employment conditions and opportunities in California and facilities available for instruction, training and placement of parolees/releasees/inmates; firearms policies and handling of safety equipment; field arrest tactical procedures; court procedures required in dealing with violations and conditions of parole; Federal and interstate parole procedures; principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision; principles of organization, public administration and budgeting; Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; manager's role in Affirmative Action Program and processes available to meet affirmative action objectives; and the collective bargaining process.
Ability to: Plan, organize, and supervise the work of others; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; dictate correspondence and make comprehensive and accurate casework reports; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.
Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for working with parolees/releasees/inmates; ability to inspire the respect and confidence of community agencies, law enforcement personnel, adult parolees/releasees/inmates and their relatives and friends; willingness to travel throughout the State and perform work requiring some evening hours and a willingness to respond to emergencies at any time; tact; emotional stability; normal or corrected to normal hearing, not less than 15/15 acuity; physical ability to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Felony Disqualification
Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.
Training Requirement
Under the provisions of Penal Code Section 832, persons selected as Parole Agents with the California Department of Corrections undergo a formal, comprehensive training course in laws of arrest, search and seizure, firearms, and chemical agents at the California Department of Corrections' training academy. Successful completion of the training program is a requirement for permanent status as a Parole Agent.
Background Investigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(d) all persons successful in this examination who are not peace officers with the California Department of Corrections shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
Citizenship Requirement
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be appointed to a peace officer position a person must be either a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for United States citizenship at least one year prior to the final filing date for an examination. The one-year requirement does not apply to permanent resident aliens who have applied for employment prior to their 19th birthday.
Age Limitation
Minimum age for appointment: 21 years pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(b). Birthdate must be stated on the application.
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 Personnel Board Rule 213.)
