Probation Officer Trainee – Spanish Speaking

DEPARTMENT:             PROBATION

TITLE OF POSITION:     Probation Officer Trainee – Spanish Speaking (PROVISONAL*) 

LOCATION:                    One Niagara Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202

JOB GROUP:                 9- $53,972- $76,758

WORK SCHEDULE:      MONDAY-FRIDAY; 8:30AM-4:30PM OR 9:00AM-5:00PM 

DATE OF POSTING:       May 29, 2024

 *Please note that this position is a competitive civil service title and will require taking a future civil service examination. Selection for permanent appointment(s) will be made from reachable candidate(s) on the eligible list according to the NYS Civil Service Rule of Three.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is a one-year traineeship used to appoint individuals to an entry-level Probation Officer 1, Probation Officer 1 (Spanish Speaking) position in a probation department responsible for the care of adults and juveniles subject to probation supervision or intake services which require them to meet certain standards of conduct. A Probation Officer 1 Trainee is responsible for participating in a continuous in-service training program regarding the investigative, supervision, counseling and coaching duties and responsibilities of a Probation Officer 1 and, under close and on-going supervision, performs such duties and exercises such responsibilities in a limited nature. When a Probation Officer 1 Trainee participates in a traineeship for a Probation Officer 1 (Spanish Speaking) position, he/she is required to satisfy the additional requirements for these positions and be capable to learn the specialized work they perform. Probation Officer 1 Trainee work is performed under the direct supervision of a probation professional. Upon successful completion of the one-year traineeship the incumbent is appointed to the position of Probation Officer 1 or specified parenthetical without further examination. A Probation Officer 1 Trainee is a Peace Officer pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Section 2.10 and may be authorized to carry a firearm in the performance of his/her duties. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State board of Regents to grant degrees, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher with at least thirty (30) credit hours in the social or behavioral sciences.

Note 1: Social science includes areas of study concerned with humans living in relation to other humans in a social environment and such as anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology and sociology. 

Note 2: Behavioral science is a subset of social science characterized by observation of the behavior of living organisms and focused on human social behavior such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, counseling, criminal justice, gerontology, human behavior, social work/social welfare and vocational rehabilitation. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

+ When considered for appointment a candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the other language at the level deemed appropriate for the department worked in. The language proficiency of the permanent appointees will be further evaluated during the post-appointment probationary term.

Where required, possession of a current driver’s license or the ability to otherwise meet the transportation requirements of the position. 

Background Investigation/Psychological Evaluation: Applicants will be subject to an extensive pre-employment background investigation and psychological evaluation. CONVICTION OF A FELONY WILL BAR AND CONVICTION OF A MISDEMEANOR OR OTHER OFFENSE MAY BAR PARTICIPATION IN EXAMINATION AND APPOINTMENT. Criminal convictions or other offense are subject to evaluation and may result in disqualification pursuant to Section 50 of the New York State Civil Service Law. The psychological evaluation will consist of a combination of psychological tests and interviews.  Candidates must pass the psychological evaluation. In addition, a negative report or failing psychological evaluation may result in disqualification pursuant to Section 50 of New York State Civil Service Law. Candidates must be a United States Citizen, an Erie County Resident, and where applicable a resident of the Town or Village where he or she is appointed per Public Officers Law at time of appointment. (See Erie County Policies and Procedures.)

Note 3: Individuals whose duties and responsibilities include the use of a firearm must also complete training pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Section 2.30(3).

Note 3a: Prior to completion of the first year of the traineeship, candidates must successfully complete the Basic Course for Peace Officer through a NYS Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) approved program. The course is a minimum of 6 weeks of training. This includes defensive tactics and firearms trainings which require the candidate to successfully complete the physical nature of the trainings. In addition, employees hired in the title must complete the Fundamentals of Probation Practice Course (currently 3 weeks of training).  Participation in these courses will be arranged by the Probation Department. 

Note 4: *The class specifications including the minimum qualifications for positions in Probation Departments are established by rule and regulations of the Division of Criminal Justice Services. These class specifications are found in Title 9 NYCRR Part 347, Appendix H-10, Standard Specifications for Professional Probation Positions. 

Note 5: This position is allocated to the competitive class pursuant to Executive Law Section 257(1).

Note 6: PROMOTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: One (1) year of permanent competitive class service as a Probation Assistant plus graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State board of Regents to grant degrees, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher with at least thirty (30) credit hours in the social or behavioral sciences. 

HOW TO APPLY: Interestedcandidates should send a resume and letter of interest to:

Richard Robillard, Commissioner Erie County Probation Department

                1 Niagara Plaza - Room 112; Buffalo, NY 14202

This notice will be posted from May 29, 2024, through and including June 10, 2024. Applications received after 4:00 P.M., June 10, 2024, will not be considered.

Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.