Adult Probation Officer Entry - Adult Probation (Countywide)

Under close supervision, performs professional duties of moderate difficulty in providing correctional casework services to assigned probationers.

• Performs closely structured supervision and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and conducting field contacts to include days, nights, weekends, and holidays (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. 
• Investigates cases referred to the officer and makes a written report to the court. 
• Provides assistance to the development and implementation of projects and/or functions and be cross trained to perform a variety of assignments; may be assigned to specialized caseloads.
• Mentors/trains new or less experienced officers. Supervises caseloads during co-workers’ absence.
• Participates on committees and enhances community partnerships.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or closely related field. 

Experience:
No experience required. 

Additional Requirements:
Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.
U.S. citizen or have legal resident status.
Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age.
Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation, fingerprinting, criminal history check, psychological examination, urinalysis screening for illicit drugs and driving records check through the Motor Vehicles Division.
May be required to successfully pass a polygraph examination, physical examination, and/or credit check.
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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  Knowledge of:

• Criminal justice system and community resources.
• Diversion, Standard, and Juvenile and/or Adult Intensive Probation and community supervision.
• Principles and practices of juvenile probation services.
• Principles of human behavior.
• Social and community corrections casework.
• Criminal justice system and community resources.
• Search, transportation, and restraint procedures.
• Counseling and interviewing techniques.
• Court proceedings. 
• Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition.
• Clerical office practices and procedures.
• Research techniques and report writing.
• Current Microsoft Office software.
• Filing and recordkeeping.

Skill in:

• 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 to problem solve and make sound decisions.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Organization and adherence to detail.

Ability to:

• Critically analyze individuals and situations and make sound objective decisions.
• Apply the principles and methods of probation services.
• Practice technique of casework methods and report writing.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations, County officials, and the public.
• Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.
• Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties.  
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion always.
• Work professionally and effectively with co-workers, clients, victims of crime, witnesses, and the general public.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment:
The work environment is associated with an office and field environment year-round in all weather conditions and includes exposure to loud noise, blood borne pathogens, dust, fumes, mist, and chemicals. This is a highly public position where contact with public may be in challenging situations.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in-person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, radios, handcuffs, body armor, and other equipment depending on case assignments.

Additional Job Information:
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 8
Classification: Classified
Safety Sensitive: Yes

Salary : $24 - $30