Juvenile Correctional Counselor IV

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Company: County of Sonoma, CA

Location: Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Description:

Salary : $98,804.26 - $120,113.76 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/04-3114-O
Department: Probation Department (PRB)
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 70

Position Information
Take the Next Step in Your Probation Career And Become a Juvenile Correctional Counselor IV with the County of Sonoma!

Starting Salary up to $57.55/hour ($120,113.76/year)*
What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
  • Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals and 12 paid holidays per year
  • County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $940, and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
  • Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
  • Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education

About the Position
As the first line, working supervisors, Juvenile Correctional Counselor IVs (JCC IVs) are responsible for the supervision, direction, training, and evaluation of staff in one or more units within Juvenile Hall. They oversee the work performance of Juvenile Correctional Counselors at the I, II, and III levels on assigned shifts, and are accountable for the actions and decisions of their team. JCC IVs also provide individual and group counseling for juveniles in their assigned unit. Additional responsibilities include:

  • Providing consultation and expertise in complex incidents or case planning
  • Ensuring that department initiatives are performed properly by line staff
  • Representing the department when communicating with the public, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders
  • Ensuring that adequate staffing levels are maintained while considering staff vacation, sick, and leave coverage
  • Proofreading and editing incident reports
  • Following Title 15 regulations and county/department policies and procedures
  • Evaluating the performance of subordinate Juvenile Correctional Counselors and composing performance evaluations

What You Bring

The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership qualities, the ability to work collaboratively and problem-solve while working with criminal justice stakeholders, as well as the ability to perform accurately and efficiently under pressure. Additionally, they will possess many of the following:

  • The ability to work autonomously with little direct oversight, prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines
  • Strong cultural competency in working with diverse backgrounds/ethnicities as well as experience working with marginalized populations
  • Significant experience utilizing justice and court systems, and assessment and case management tools
  • The ability to collaborate with peers, clients, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and other agencies/partners
  • Knowledge and experience working with evidence-based programming practices/concepts
  • Experience reading and interpreting court reports and documentation
  • The ability to build rapport and develop quality interpersonal relationships with assigned staff
  • Leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, empathy, and patience

JCC IVs may supervise weekend work crews or community service activities programs and may be required to work nontraditional work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Individuals in the JCC IV classification are Peace Officers as defined by Penal Code Section 830.5. Incumbents newly hired into the classification of Juvenile Correctional Counselor IV must successfully complete Penal Code 832 training and the California Corrections Standards Authority Supervisor Core Course within one year of appointment.

Effective 5/22/23, individuals who possess United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien, OR have the legal authorization to work in the United States under federal law, will be considered to meet the citizenship minimum standards for this position.
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our

Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include completion of twelve semester units at an accredited college in criminology, administration of justice, child development, sociology, behavioral and social psychology, social casework, social welfare, counseling and guidance; child psychology or a closely related field.

AND

Six months experience as a group or youth counselor or other experience related to counseling or case management of troubled youth AND completion of two years of full-time experience equivalent to the level of Juvenile Correctional Counselor III in the County of Sonoma or four years full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to a Juvenile Correctional Counselor II with the County of Sonoma.

Additional Requirements: In accordance with California Government Code, Section 1029 - 1031, and the California Corrections Standards Authority, Title 15, Section 131, Minimum Standards for Selection, each employee shall meet the following minimum standards: United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (if a permanent resident alien has not obtained citizenship within three years after application for employment or is denied citizenship, he/she will be disqualified for peace officer status); have no prior felony conviction nor be under current formal probation supervision; and achieved a passing score on the California Corrections Standards Authority Juvenile Correctional Counselor written exam, or equivalent, and successfully completed the Juvenile Correctional Counselor Core Course prior to appointment.
Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo and successfully complete an in-depth background investigation, including a psychological evaluation, finger printing, criminal history check and a medical examination, including physical agilities testing.
License: Possession of a valid California driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California,may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of: recreational activities commonly enjoyed by youths; the laws, practices and procedures pertinent to the detention and custody of youths; child abuse reporting laws; advanced first-aid techniques and practices; CPR; personal hygiene techniques and methods in instructing youths in their use. Knowledge of and ability to train staff in all Probation justice database systems.

Knowledge of: sociology and psychology, particularly as they relate to child and personality development, behavior patterns, motivation and group and family dynamics; the methods and techniques of individual and group counseling within a juvenile setting; factors that influence human behavior; accepted methods used to modify behavior; departmental policies, procedures and functions; management and supervisory techniques that motivate and encourage the efficiency and productivity of staff and youths.
Ability to: coordinate and direct the work activities of other Juvenile Correctional Counselors and youths; evaluate the behavior and performance of assigned staff and youths; apply techniques of effective supervision; ensure that staff supervises and directs youths during work, meal and leisure activities; acquire and maintain the respect of youths; effectively supervise youths engaged in various construction or industrial experience and maintenance work activities; ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing..
Maintain firm control in individual and group situations; relate to a wide variety of individuals from different socio-economic, cultural and ethnic groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, health and social service providers, families, law enforcement agencies, other departments and the public; exercise good judgment and adopt effective courses of action in emergency situations; direct the activities of Juvenile Correctional Counselors in emergency situations; apply basic first aid to youths and staff; write clear and concise oral explanations of situations that have transpired; train and coach staff in all aspects of their job responsibilities; physically subdue and restrain violent or fighting youth; defend against attacking youth; apprehend detention facility escapees in the line of duty; ability to work in a stressful environment.
Supervise the effective control of the home population; the bathing, dressing, feeding and provision of recreation to the children; work different shifts and on weekends and holidays; restrain children for the safety and protection of themselves and others.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

It is the policy of law enforcement and legal offices and departments, in the County of Sonoma, that candidates complete a thorough background investigation process prior to employment. This policy is imperative to keep the department's employees and the public safe and to maintain high standards in the law enforcement community. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

The background investigation will include a thorough assessment of a candidate's personal, employment, educational, criminal, and credit history. The investigation may include but is not necessarily limited to: the use of prescription and/or other drugs, reports from former employers, friends, family members, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, credit reports, court reports, public records search, and/or other relevant sources. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment.

All candidates will be required to take a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment medical examination will include drug testing as part of the medical examination for all applicants and for all current employees who are offered employment with the Offices/Departments. Additionally, candidates may be required to take a pre-employment psychological examination. The results of these examinations and the background investigation shall be confidential and shall not be available to the candidate for review. Failure to pass the background investigation will eliminate a candidate from the employment process. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.

Issues that arise during the investigation process will be assessed, and judgment and discretion will be used to determine the employability of the candidate. Where there is evidence of a candidate's past use of controlled substances, many factors shall be used to determine the employability of the individual such as a pattern of use, kind of drug used, circumstances of the start of the drug use, treatment, behavior, and attitude since discontinuance, etc. Please note that a history of using controlled substances does not result in automatic disqualification from the selection process. Prior to disqualifying any candidate whose profile falls within the provisions of the policy, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to present any and all evidence of mitigating facts that the candidate feels should be considered by the hiring authority.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JL
HR Technician: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01

How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Handshake
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • POST
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Start Here!
  • X (Twitter)
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication

02

Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions

03

Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position

04

The United States Department of Justice Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 drives all efforts to combat sexual abuse and sexual misconduct at all correctional institutions. The County of Sonoma maintains a zero tolerance for sexual violence, staff sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. In accordance with PREA 115.17, please respond to the following question. Have you:
  • Engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution;
  • Been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or
  • Been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged or attempted to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse.
    • Yes
    • No

    05

    As an adult, have you been convicted of a felony or are you currently under formal probation?
    • Yes
    • No

    06

    Are you a U.S. Citizen, a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship, or do you have the legal authorization to work in the United States?
    • Yes
    • No

    07

    Have you taken and achieved a passing score on the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination for the Adult Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Probation Officer Classifications for Local Corrections?Note: This exam was formerly titled "California Corrections Standards Authority Juvenile Correctional Counselor written exam."
    • Yes
    • No

    08

    Have you successfully completed Juvenile Correctional Core Training as required by the California Corrections Standard Authority for Juvenile Correctional Counselors?
    • Yes
    • No

    09

    For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.

    The minimum qualifications for this position generally require:

    Six months experience as a group or youth counselor or other experience related to counseling or case management of troubled youth AND completion of two years of full-time experience equivalent to the level of Juvenile Correctional Counselor III in the County of Sonoma or four years full-time experience in a position equivalent or closely related to a Juvenile Correctional Counselor II with the County of Sonoma.

    AND

    Twelve semester units at an accredited college in criminology, administration of justice, child development, sociology, behavioral and social psychology, social casework, social welfare, counseling and guidance; child psychology or a closely related field.

    Please describe how you meet these minimum qualifications.
    10

    Please describe your experience applying evidence-based practices while developing and providing programming and counseling for juveniles.
    11

    Please describe your lead or supervisory experience. Detail the scope of your duties and the number and types of staff you supported.
    Required Question

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