Parole Agent I, Adult Parole
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under supervision, to (1) carry a case load involving office and field work in the assessment, supervision and guidance of adult parolees/releasees from State correctional institutions or residing in a community correctional facility; (2) function as a District Hearing Agent; or (3) process out-of-State placements in the Interstate Parole Unit; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Supervises parolees/releasees; works with parolees'/releasees' friends and relatives, community service agencies, and law enforcement agencies; arranges for services for parolees/releasees who have identified needs in such areas as employment, housing, medical care, counseling, education, and social activities; arranges for and verifies release programs for about-to-be released adult offenders; may participate in the screening of cases for placement in a community correctional facility; conducts investigations when parole violation or criminal behavior is alleged which includes interviewing, surveillance, and search and seizure; apprehends and arrests parolees/releasees who are suspected of involvement in criminal activities or violation of parole; testifies in administrative hearings and judicial proceedings; provides information to other community agencies regarding specific parolees/releasees or the policy and procedures of the California Department of Corrections; participates in the assessment of parolees'/releasees' risk to the community and the type of services required; makes recommendations to administrative paroling authority regarding case dispositions; and prepares various types of reports and correspondence.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Experience: One year of experience in supervising a case load 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 a criminal offense background.
(Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must be in a class comparable in level of responsibility to Correctional Program Supervisor I, Youth Counselor, or Parole Service Associate.)
(Graduate work in sociology, psychology, criminology, correctional science, a recognized school of social work, or other related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Applicants substituting education for the entire experience requirement must have completed the equivalent of one academic year in an approved course of study in supervised casework or correctional field work during or supplemental to their graduate work. Graduate students in one of these fields will be admitted to the examination but must produce evidence of completion of one year of graduate work and the required year of supervised casework or correctional field work before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)
and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a bachelor's degree. Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for not more than two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis. Two years of experience in the Parole Service series in addition to that required under the basic experience requirement may be substituted. At least one year must be at the Parole Service Associate level.)
Or II
Experience: Two years of experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. Supervising inmates in an adult correctional institution where duties included care, custody, and treatment. (Experience in California state service applied toward this pattern must be in a class comparable in level of responsibility to Correctional Officer.) or
2. Investigating crimes or complaints in a law enforcement agency with duties which include interviewing persons concerned and writing reports on cases. (Experience as a patrol officer or traffic officer is not qualifying.)
and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment. (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 parole and correctional casework; methods used and problems involved in the supervision and rehabilitation of parolees/releasees; laws pertaining to prisons, probation, 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; functions and procedures of State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies; employment conditions and opportunities in California and of facilities available for instruction, training, and placement of parolees/releasees; firearms policies and handling of safety equipment; vocational and educational counseling.
Ability to: Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; dictate correspondence; prepare comprehensive and accurate casework reports; and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with parolees/releasees; ability to inspire the respect and confidence of community agencies, law enforcement personnel, adult parolees/releasees and their relatives and friends; willingness to travel throughout the State and to perform work requiring irregular hours; tact; emotional stability; normal or corrected to normal hearing, not less than 15/15 acuity; physical ability to effectively carry out 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, fire arms, 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 Investigations
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 Limitations
Minimum age for appointment: 21 years, pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(b). You must state your birthdate on your 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. )
