Probation Officer I

Job Description Summary Probation officers provide casework services to probationers at the direction of the Superior Court under the provisions of evidence-based practices and consistent with the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. The duties of a probation officer include supervising the caseloads of assigned probationers, meeting with probationers in their homes or at their places of work, conducting interviews and social or pre-sentence investigations, evaluating probationers’ progress, performing searches, and making arrests. Because probationers under Court supervision are convicted felons and/or persons with domestic violence convictions, these job duties expose the probation officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members and others in proximity to the probationers. As a result, the probation officer position is designated as a safety-sensitive position in accordance with ACJA § 6-106(A) and ACJA § 6- 107(A). All probation officers must “demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the defensive tactics training academy.” ACJA § 6-107(G)(1)(b). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense. Job Description Hiring Rate: $25.90 Hourly Some positions contain shift work and are eligible for evening or night differential. Assignments are determined based on the needs of the department. This is a classified position that reports to a Probation Officer III. Incumbents perform duties under general supervision and do not have direct supervisory responsibilities for other employees. Do you have the qualities of an Adult Probation Officer? Our mission is to serve the court, to actively promote community safety, to facilitate positive behavioral change in probationers and to respect victim rights. In performing our mission, we recognize that employees are our most valuable resource, and we hold these essential core values: Integrity, Fairness, Respect, Compassion, Accountability, Creativity, Excellence. Are you: Are you accountable for your actions and uphold strong moral principles? Someone that interacts well with others? Do you have the patience and empathy to support community members as they work on making positive changes in their lives? Someone who has good communication skills? Active listening, respect, and clarity are all expected from a probation officer. This includes both written and oral communication. Able to prioritize tasks and consistently meet deadlines? Being organized and efficient is key to being a successful probation officer. Candidates will be faced with multiple responsibilities throughout the day. If you possess the qualities stated above and want to make a positive impact on your community, we invite you to apply today! Exceptional benefits: Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP) 15 paid vacation days, 12 holidays, and 15 days of sick leave 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave Employer-paid Short -term Disability Tuition Reimbursement $5,250 per year Health Wellness discount program Mental and Behavioral Health Benefits Paid Training with Advancement Opportunities Upon yearly anniversary, 56 hours of sick time accrued, less usage, may be rolled over to vacation time. What We're Looking For: Minimum Qualifications: • Be a United States citizen or legal resident. • Must possess a valid driver’s license. • Have a bachelor’s degree with a preference in the behavioral sciences or a related field from an accredited college or university. • Be a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years. • Complete background/reference checks, interviews, polygraph and/or drug testing, and pre- employment psychological examinations. • Must successfully complete 40-hour Defensive Tactics Training Academy as soon as practical, but no later than 120 days from the date of employment [see ACJA 6-107(G)]. • Must demonstrate , by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the Defensive Tactics Training Academy. • Must successfully complete eight (8) hours of defensive tactics refresher training on an annual basis. • Must maintain certificate of successful completion of defensive tactics training. • Must successfully complete the Probation Certification Academy and Intensive Probation Institute, if assigned, within the first twelve (12) months of employment [see ACJA 6- 107(F)]. • Must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan. ​Important Notice Regarding Multiple Applications: Once a candidate formally accepts a job offer with Superior Court, Juvenile Court, or Justice Court, all other active applications within these courts will be inactivated. Essential Functions: Performs closely structured supervision and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, community restitution or jail) as a member of a team. Obtains, assembles, secures, keeps and files a complete identification record concerning the person on probation including arrest reports, contact notes regarding compliance with terms of probation and case plan to prepare written reports for the court. Builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan including conditions of probation through frequent telephone contacts, work site contacts, day, and evening home contacts. Directs and/or refers probationers to community resources, treatments or other interventions based on assessments, behaviors and conditions of probation. Participates in case review conferences to determine if change in level of supervision is warranted. Performs searches, breathalyzers/urinalysis collection, and makes a documented effort to locate absconders. Serves warrants, makes arrests, and brings persons before the court who are on probation including defaulting probationers facing revocation. Probation officers have the authority of peace officers in the performance of his or her duties. Appears and testifies in court. Monitors payment of restitution and probation fees and ensures victims' notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements. In confrontational situations with probationers or others, appropriately and effectively responds and uses defensive tactics and techniques, as learned at the Defensive Tactics Safety Training Academy, when necessary. Performs and demonstrates through proficiency testing, competency in, and an understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics and techniques, including the following, or their comparable alternatives: 1) Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown), 2) Perform minor aerobic activity, 3) Stand for up to 2 hours at a time, 4) Engage in balanced movements, 5) Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes), 6) Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton that weighs 16 ounces), 7) Kick at targets below 24" (front snap kicks), 8) Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery), 9) Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed, 10) Sustain exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, 11) Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground, 12) Be able to bend knees lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing technique), 13) Be able to bend knees to a 45 degree angle (all ground techniques). Investigates cases referred to the officer and makes a written report to the court. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, telephones, radios, handcuffs, body armor and other equipment depending on case assignments. Must possess : Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend, and sit for prolonged periods of time and/ or drive a vehicle The manual dexterity necessary to reach, grasp, handwrite, and use a computer. Vision sufficient to see and read. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the phone. The ability to withstand varying weather temperatures. The ability to lift, drag, push, and carry items of various weight. Must have skills in the areas of: Self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in order to maintain effective relationships with a diverse population. Interviewing, motivating, and interpersonal relationships. Time management and organization with the ability to apply principles and methods of correctional casework. Critical analysis of individuals and situations in order to problem solve and make sound decisions. Effective oral and written communication. ​​ Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The criminal justice system and community resources. Diversion, Standard and Juvenile and/or Adult Intensive Probation and community supervision. Social and community corrections casework. Principles of general human behavior; and evidence-based practices in community corrections. ​ Licenses, Certificates & Physical Conditions: Must have a valid Arizona Driver's license at the time of the appointment. Physical/Sensory Items: Perform work that requires good physical strength and condition to apply restraining techniques, defensive tactics, react to physical confrontations and emergency situations, may lift and carry up to 75 pounds, bend, reach, kneel, crouch, crawl and stoop when necessary. Read and comprehend court orders, reports, written rules, regulations, hear and understand speech and radio transmissions, and record information accurately and completely. Observe behaviors and situations, recall facts, work outside exposed to extreme weather conditions, and perform administrative duties in an office environment. New Hire Benefits Information: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, political interest, or any other characteristic or category protected by local, state, or federal law.