Parole Agent II, Adult Parole (Specialist)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XE65
Class Code: 9762
Established: 10/07/1986
Revised: 05/08/1990
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under direction, as a specialist in the State adult parole program, to (1) as lead agent, serve as assistant to the supervisor of a unit parole office; (2) function as the sole resident case carrying agent in a remote or isolated area; (3) perform difficult duties in the supervision of inmates in the specialized reentry program; or (4) as a noncase carrying specialist to perform difficult duties for major program functions; and to do other related work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The class of Parole Agent I, Adult Parole, is distinguished from the class of Parole Agent II, Adult Parole (Specialist), by the level of supervision received and the independence of action exercised.
In a field office setting, incumbents in the class of Parole Agent I, Adult Parole, receive direct day-to-day supervision from higher level parole agents assigned to the same office, and are assigned case carrying duties related to felon parolees. Incumbents performing case carrying duties in the class of Parole Agent II, Adult Parole (Specialist), are assigned either as the sole agent in remote locations or as a case carrying agent in the reentry program.
Typical Tasks
As a lead agent in a unit parole office, assists the Unit Supervisor in providing guidance to Parole Agents in the control and supervision of services, may train staff in policies and procedures of the parole and releasing authority.
As a resident agent with a caseload of parolees, provides the full range of parole services in remote or isolated areas; arranges for release programs for about-to-be paroled adult offenders; provides supervision of adult offenders in the community; provides for services for parolees/releasees who have identified needs in such areas as employment, housing, medical care, counseling, education, or social activities; conducts investigations when parole violation or criminal behavior is suspected which include such activities as interviewing, interrogation, surveillance, search and seizure, arrest, collecting and storing evidence, and participating in administrative hearings or judicial proceedings; provides information to other community agencies regarding specific parolees/releasees or the Department's policies and procedures; participates in the assessment of individual risks and needs; makes recommendations to administrative paroling authorities regarding case disposition; and prepares and dictates various types of reports and correspondence.
As the case carrier for reentry inmates, the incumbent arranges release programs for about-to-be paroled adult offenders; participates in the screening of cases for placement in a community correctional facility; provides supervision for inmates in community correctional facilities and in the community; provides for services for inmates who have identified needs in such areas as employment, housing, medical care, counseling, education, or social activities; conducts investigations when criminal behavior is suspected which include such activities as interviewing, interrogation, surveillance, search and seizure, arrest, collecting and storing evidence, and participating in administrative hearings or judicial proceedings; provides information to other community agencies regarding specific inmates or the Department's policies and procedures; makes recommendations to administrative paroling authorities regarding disciplinary infractions; and prepares and dictates various types of reports and correspondence.
As a noncase carrying specialist for a major program function in either a regional or headquarters setting, the incumbent is assigned a specialized function such as reentry compliance coordinator, reentry appeals/disciplinary coordinator, reentry screening coordinator, assistant hearing coordinator, interstate compact coordinator, or training coordinator.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing correctional casework duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Parole Agent I, Adult Parole.
Or II
Experience: In a California state adult correctional institution either:
1. One year performing the duties of a Correctional Program Supervisor III; or
2. Two years performing the duties of a Correctional Program Supervisor II.
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.)
Or III
Experience: Two years of experience 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 backgrounds. (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.)
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: Purposes, organization, and functions of the adult paroling authorities and the Parole and Community Services Division; principles, techniques, and trends in parole and correctional casework; methods used and problems involved in the supervision, control, and rehabilitation of parolees/releasees/inmates; laws pertaining to prisons, probation, and paroles; 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; functions and procedures of State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies; employment conditions and opportunities in California and facilities available for instruction, training and placement of parolees/releasees/inmates; firearms policies and methods of handling safety equipment; Interstate Probation and Parole Compact; vocational and educational counseling.
Ability to: Secure the cooperation of individuals and agencies interested in placement and parole work; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; dictate correspondence and prepare reports; and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
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 State Personnel Board Rule
213. )
