8530-Deputy Probation Officer (SFERS)

Company Description

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? (https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/process/post-referral/#certRules)
- Recruitment ID:  CBT-8530-X00135
- Salary range: $92,404 - $149,812 (https://careers.sf.gov/classifications/?classCode=8530&setId=COMMN) (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 ).

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

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 deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

Additional Information

This is a Class-Based Test conducted in accordance with  Civil Service Rule 111A.

For information on the hiring background process including physical and psychological evaluations, as well as the requirements necessary to hold and main peace officer status, please see the POST Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training .

Eligible List/Score Report:  A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be twelve (12) months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

Certification   - The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of Ten (10) Scores. Additional selection processes may be conducted by the hiring department prior to making final hiring decisions.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:  Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at  https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ ].

How to Apply:

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are  only  accepted through an online process. Visit  https://careers.sf.gov/  and begin the application process.

- Select the “I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screen

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every position to which they apply. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.  Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Selection Procedures:

The selection process will include evaluation of applications, education, a multiple-choice California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) examination, and a written examination.

Multiple-Choice California Board of State and Community Corrections Examination (Weight: Pass/Fail)

Candidates will participate in a written multiple-choice examination designed by the State of California to determine their relative knowledge, skill and ability levels in job related areas, including but not limited to: problem solving, reading comprehension, written communication ability, and work attitudes. Please see the California Board of State and Community Corrections website to view the Candidate Orientation Booklet by clicking on the link:  https://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Candidate-Orientation-Booklet-PO-2017.pdf

This is a standardized written multiple-choice examination. In accordance with Civil Service Rule 111.11.4, inspection privileges do not apply to the questions and answers in this examination.

Written Exam (Weight - 100%)

Candidates who have a passing score on the BSCC exam will be invited to participate in a written examination designed to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities in job-related areas as described below. Candidates much achieve a passing score on the written examination to be ranked on the eligible list.

Oral and written communication ability may be evaluated during the interview and hiring process.

Timeline:  
BSCC Exam: December 2026 – in person at 375 Woodside Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122 subject to change pending candidate pool

Written Exam – January 2027 subject to change pending candidate pool

What else should I know?

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at:  https://www.sf.gov/departments--civil-service-commission .

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

- Information on the Hiring Process (https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#eligiblelists) Conviction History (https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/conviction-history/) Employee Benefits Overview (https://careers.sf.gov/benefits/) 
- Equal Employment Opportunity (https://www.sf.gov/reports/may-2021/equal-employment-opportunity-eeo-policy-city-and-county) 
- Disaster Service Worker (https://sfdhr.org/disaster-service-workers)
- ADA Accommodation (https://www.sf.gov/resource/2022/resources-and-guidance-people-disabilities)
- Veterans Preference (https://sfdhr.org/veterans-preference)
- Right to Work (https://sfdhr.org/recruitment-details#identification)
- Copies of Application Documents (https://sfdhr.org/recruitment-details#copies)
- Diversity Statement (https://sfdhr.org/recruitment-details#diversitystatement)

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.