8530-Deputy Probation Officer (SFERS)
City and County of San Francisco · San Francisco, California, United States
THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM
San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
- Application Opening: October 20, 2026
- Application Deadline: No earlier than November 3, 2026 @ 11:59pm
- Exam Type: Class Based Test
- Eligible List Type: Entrance
- Certification Rule: Rule of Ten (10) What does this mean?
- Recruitment ID: CBT-8530-X00135
- Salary range: $92,404 - $149,812 (Effective January 2, 2027, represented employees shall receive a 2% wage increase)
The San Francisco Adult Probation Department (SFAPD) and Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) are dedicated to recognizing the individuality and diversity of justice-involved adults, young people, and their families. These departments aim to address the unique challenges faced by these individuals by providing services designed to help them permanently exit the justice system. Through a combination of opportunity and accountability, SFAPD and JPD provide a continuum of supportive, integrated services that are tailored to address individual needs, empower people to overcome barriers, and help them become productive members of the community. With a focus on enhancing public safety, seeking victim restoration, and maintaining structured and evidence-based supervision, both departments work tirelessly on behalf of San Francisco City and County.
SFAPD is at the forefront of reentry services in San Francisco through the portfolio of services at the Community Assessment and Services Center (CASC). The CASC operates as an innovative, ‘one-stop shop’, where probation clients can meet with their probation officers and then walk downstairs to receive immediate services. The population served are the Pretrial, Violence Response, and Reentry population. We specialize in investigations, sex offenders, domestic violence, collaborative courts, and other high-profile populations.
Click here to read more about the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department (JPD).
Under supervision, Deputy Probation Officers conduct general and pre-sentence investigations; investigate and supervise adult or juveniles or court wards; prepare various reports for the courts; prepare recommendations and assist the courts in detention decisions and recommendations for sentencing decisions and dispositions; supervise and counsel probationers to assist in complying with the court orders, educational and vocational services and family therapy; perform intensive case management; assist in the training of new and reassigned officers; perform a variety of specialized assignments; and perform related duties as required.
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. Newly hired Deputy Probation Officers for either department must complete mandatory training, during their 12-month probationary period. Officers at the Adult Probation Department are required to complete firearms training during their 12-month probationary period, as assignments may require them to carry a firearm.
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
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, substance abuse, or homelessness. Officers conduct interviews and investigations, visit individuals in custody and in the field, 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, dispositions, and case management decisions.
In their daily work, officers may make arrests, conduct home and in-custody visits, and represent the department in court to address probation compliance. They also interact with a variety of justice stakeholders, including law enforcement, victims, families, employers, public health, and community-based organizations, to ensure a coordinated approach to rehabilitation and accountability. A key aspect of the role includes counseling probationers, monitoring organizations, court orders, and connecting individuals to resources such as educational programs, substance abuse treatment, employment, housing, and family therapy.
Officers may participate in specialized assignments targeting high-risk populations, including gang-related probationers, repeat offenders, or those involved in drug-related activities. They may also serve on city wide task forces and collaborate with community-based organizations to address broader public safety concerns. Officers assist in training new staff and may take on temporary supervisory responsibilities as needed.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To succeed as Deputy Probation Officer, candidates must possess an understanding of the factors of what may cause crimes and delinquency, as well as the principles of supervision and evidence-based practices. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws is essential, along with familiarity with time and case management, cultural competency, and array of community resources. Proficiency in a case management system and the ability to work within a diverse work environment and collaborate with our justice partners are also crucial.
Key abilities include effective communication, writing comprehensive reports, critical thinking skills, 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 arrest and detain, use a firearm (SFAPD Only), self-defense techniques, restrain individuals, and apply restraint devices like handcuffs are also necessary for the role.
Education
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Licenses & Certifications
A valid California Class "C" Driver’s License with a clean driving record is required.
Verification:
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/.
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 filing deadlin