To: Board of Supervisors
From: Esa Ehmen-Krause, County Probation Officer
Report Title: Add/Cancel Probation Director Positions Due to Retirements
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Position Adjustment Resolution No. 26331 to add three (3) Probation Director (7BFA) (unrepresented) positions at salary plan and grade B25 1972 ($11,826.78 - $15,094.30) effective October 9, 2024 and cancel three (3) Probation Director (7BFA) (unrepresented) positions (13281, 13282 & 18840) effective April 1, 2025 in the Probation Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The one-time fiscal impact of the requested position overlaps may result in total salary and benefit cost increase impacts of up to $554,000. Though the request covers a 6-month position overlap, it will take at least a couple of months for the positions to be filled. The action includes the cancelation of the three positions currently filled by the three Probation Directors with upcoming retirements in early 2025. Cost impacts will be offset by salary and benefit cost savings from the Department’s existing vacancies, which are funded by the Department’s budgeted General Fund allocation.
BACKGROUND:
The mission of the Probation Department is an unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of adversity, an ethical application of the law, and a proven approach to rehabilitation. The talented team of Probation professionals work collaboratively to create opportunities for those served. Through compassionate supervision, the application of evidence-based practices, and robust community partnerships, clients experience positive outcomes that strengthen the individual, improve communities, and increase public safety. To maintain mandated functions, keep up with the increasing number of legislative changes, and comply with funding obligations, Probation must maintain necessary staffing levels and institutional knowledge.
Currently the Department has five sworn Probation Directors, three of which will be retiring in early 2025. These positions are key executives within the Department and currently filled by incumbents with decades of institutional knowledge. One Probation Director position has oversight of Juvenile Hall operations and staffing, and the other two positions have oversight of field operations and staffing. All three positions direct statutorily required functions of the Department, and the collective impact of these impending retirements require strategic planning to ensure a smooth transition of duties and to sustain compliance with mandated functions.
The need to fill these positions prior to the incumbents’ departure is therefore critical to mitigate the impact on department operations. Acknowledging that recruitment and onboarding of peace officers is a comprehensive and time-consuming process, it is imperative that the Probation Department begin this prior to the three retirements as these new hires will play a crucial role in operational continuity.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, departmental operations would be negatively impacted.