OC Probation Department InternAt — County of Orange

The OC Probation Department plays a critical role in the justice system, supervising adult and juvenile criminal offenders who have been released into the community, under restrictions imposed by the court. The department performs various functions designed to protect the community, assist victims, enforce court orders and resocialize adult and juvenile offenders.

Intern Duties/Responsibilities:
Interns work primarily with at-risk youth in one of four Juvenile Institutions or at a Youth and Family Resource Center. Duties may include tutoring, working with youth in sports or recreational activities, assisting with anti-drug and gang presentations, helping with career planning and job preparation and team building.

Educational Requirements:
Enrolled in an accredited college or university, majoring in Criminal Justice, Law, Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Social Services, Social Ecology, Sociology, Education or related fields.

Skills, Training or Qualifications:
The internship is best suited for individuals interested in gaining skills or exploring career options in corrections, mental health, social work or education.

Benefits Available for Intern:
Although this is an unpaid position, interns gain experience in working with at-risk youth and being part of the Probation team. Students/recent graduates frequently select a career with the Orange County Probation Department as a result of their internship experience.

Application Process:
Minimum requirements for applicants:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal U.S. resident
• Must posses a valid Social Security card and driver's license or California identification card
• Must not be on any form of probation/parole or pending criminal charges (probation/parole history must exceed one year)
• Must test negative for tuberculosis

Steps to becoming a Probation Intern:

•  Attend a mandatory volunteer information meeting (see schedule information listed below)
• Complete an application and obtain reference forms
• Provide resume, non-official college transcripts, certified copy of birth certificate and proof of auto insurance
• Provide results of tuberculosis test
• Attend two interviews
• Take fingerprints via Live Scan
• Pass a background investigation, which may take up to four months to process

Volunteer information meetings are scheduled throughout the year at 1001 South Grand Avenue in Santa Ana, CA 92705. To view the Volunteer Information Meeting schedule please visit https://ocprobation.ocgov.com/page/volunteer-programs 

Tasks:

Interns work primarily with at-risk youth in one of four Juvenile Institutions or at a Youth and Family Resource Center. Duties may include tutoring, working with youth in sports or recreational activities, assisting with anti-drug and gang presentations, helping with career planning and job preparation and team building.

Training:

Interns will be directly supervised by professional-level staff experienced in the juvenile justice system.

Learning outcomes:

Interns will gain skills and knowledge of the juvenile justice system.