Local 685 member strives to make change
As a deputy probation officer for the Los Angeles County Probation Department, Monique Newson wears multiple hats.
Newson works as a standards and training for corrections (STC) coordinator, which is responsible for making sure probation department staff receive their necessary training. Additionally, she works with the probation camp youth at the Dorothy Kirby Center and the juveniles at the secure youth treatment facility (SYTF).
At the Dorothy Kirby Center, Newson and other probation staff focus on building a family-like environment to help the youth feel safe and to build a bond with them. “We may start the day off with meditation or slow jazz music,” says Newson, who is also a member of AFSCME Local 685. “Also, for mealtime, we try eating with the kids to build that bond and show them that we are humans too.”
Newson joined the probation department to help make change in her community. She grew up in an area with gang activity, which is why she decided to study criminology in college and eventually join the probation department. “When I get frustrated, when I get upset at work, or any of those things, I just remind myself why I signed up, and I signed up to help make change,” says Newson. “What really validates my work, our work, is when the young ladies, after they leave the facility, they call us back just to check in and let us know that they’re doing well. That really validates the work because it’s like wow, they’re thinking about us while they’re at home.”
The Los Angeles County Probation Department is seeking passionate individuals, like Monique Newson, to join the team as a deputy probation officer. AFSCME District Council 36 and AFSCME Local 685 held a job fair on August 16 to assist the Probation Department in filling these positions. The work that probation officers do is vital in ensuring the safety and care of individuals at youth camps and juvenile halls. If you are interested in applying to be a deputy probation officer, please visit Los Angeles County Jobs.