Group Supervisor III (Departmental Promotional Only)

Description

Are you a current County of San Mateo Probation Department employee with experience in supervising juveniles in a probation setting and ready to take on a lead role? The Probation Department is accepting applications for Group Supervisor III!

Group Supervisors III plan, assign, direct, and review the work of a small team of Group Supervisors I/II in a unit on an assigned shift at the Youth Services Center, supervise, counsel, and guide a group of juveniles detained in the Center; and perform the more difficult and complex duties of a group supervisor. The Group Supervisor III will function as a shift supervisor and work under the direction of the on-duty Institution Services Manager (ISM) in the absence of the ISM, a Group Supervisor III acts as a facility on-duty officer of the day.

This is not considered a supervisory class in that the selection, evaluation, and discipline of employees is not assigned to this level.

The ideal candidate will:

• Consistently demonstrate the highest standards of moral character and integrity.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and present a professional image.
• Possess superior interpersonal skills with demonstrated skills in motivating and developing staff.
• Display enthusiasm for the job.
• Maintain a positive and flexible outlook and excitement for new challenges.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.
• Have excellent organizational ability for handling multiple tasks and urgent issues quickly and simultaneously.
• Take Initiative and use sound independent judgment when responding to problems.
• Have a basic understanding of department, state, and federal regulations governing juvenile institutions.
• Have participated and completed BSCC's CORE training program.
• Have completed PC 832 peace officer training and a 160-hour STC training course.
• Possess knowledge of principles of evidence-based supervision and practices.
• Have experience in procedures involved in the care, safety, transportation, custody, and security of youth.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assign, direct, and review the work of a team of Group Supervisors to ensure proper operation of the unit.
• Advise staff personnel regarding program planning, recreational and teaching activities, supervision of juveniles, and security measures.
• Confer with and advise staff on the treatment of behavioral problems and the maintenance of discipline.
• Check on the safety and welfare of youth, medical procedures, and housekeeping routines.
• Direct the unit in handling of tense situations.
• Maintain records of medications dispensed and disciplinary actions taken.
• Watch for signs and receive reports of mental and physical illnesses; investigate and see that needed care is provided.
• Counsel juveniles as necessary.
• Assist in the evaluation of subordinates' performance.
• Hold team meetings and participate in staff conferences and group and individual training programs for dissemination of information and the development of policies which may involve writing recommendations.
• Prepare and submit required reports. Maintains records, statistics, and other critical documents.
• Participates as a subject matter expert in Group Supervisor interviews.
• Serve as the officer of the day in the absence of the Institution Services Manager.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education Requirement:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in sociology, psychology, corrections, criminal justice, counseling, or a closely related social or behavioral science is preferred.

Experience Requirement:
One year of experience supervising and controlling juveniles in a probation setting.

Knowledge of:

• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• Child psychology and principles of family relationships.
• Juvenile court law.
• Criminal justice system.
• Causes of juvenile delinquency.
• General emotional and behavioral patterns of delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles.
• Group and individual counseling techniques.
• Principles of first aid and general health practices.
• Appropriate juvenile disciplinary measures.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, assign, direct, and review the work of others.
• Train others in work procedures.
• Work as part of a team.
• Interpret and enforce facility rules and regulations.
• Secure and maintain the respect, rapport, and confidence of juveniles.
• Exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations.
• Aid in the rehabilitation of delinquent adolescents.
• Maintain firm discipline in a fair and tactful manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members, probation officers, law enforcement personnel, and representatives of other department and community agencies.
• Write reports and keep records.
• Evaluate and handle tension-filled, stressful, and crisis situations effectively.
• Work under stress.
• Relate to persons of diverse ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Meet the physical ability requirements as defined by the California State Board of Corrections.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class C California driver's license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a citizen of the United States or qualify under provisions of the California Government Code Section 103l.5.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment.

Application/Examination
Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Probation Department with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview, which may include a pre-interview exercise (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednes day, February 11, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Civil Service Panel Interview: February 26 and/or 27, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.



Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (01282026) (Group Supervisor III - C006)

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• County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

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