Juvenile Probation Officer Entry - Juvenile Probation (Cottonwood)

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 school/work, conducting interviews and social or pre-disposition investigations, evaluating probationers’ progress, performing searches, and making arrests. Because probationers under Court supervision may include convicted felons, felony adjudicated delinquents, and/or persons with domestic violence convictions/adjudications, 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.

• Performs closely structured supervision and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and parents/guardians and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, schools, community restitution or detention).
• Obtains, assembles, secures, keeps and files a complete identification record concerning the person on probation, including 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/school site contacts, day, and evening home contacts.
• Directs and/or refers probationers and parents/guardians to community resources, treatments or other interventions based on assessments, behaviors and conditions of probation.
• 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.
• Reviews and evaluates criminal records, police reports and psychiatric and psychological reports.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education: 
Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or closely related field from an accredited college or university. 

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, polygraph and driving records check through the Motor Vehicles Division. 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: 

• 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 adolescent and general human behavior; and evidence-based practices in community corrections.

 Skill in:

• 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 corrections casework.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with police and employees.

 Ability to:

• Critically analyze individuals and situations in order to problem solve and make sound decisions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion at all times.
• Work professionally and effectively with coworkers, probationers, victims, witnesses, and the general public.

 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: 

• 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:
  1. Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend and sit for prolonged periods of time and/ or drive a vehicle.
  2. The manual dexterity necessary to reach, grasp, handwrite, and use a computer. Vision sufficient to see and read.
  3. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the phone.
  4. The ability to withstand varying weather temperatures.
  5. The ability to lift, drag, push and carry items of various weight.

Performs and demonstrates through proficiency testing, competency in, and an understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics 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 (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 techniques),
13. Be able to bend knees to a 45-degree angle (all ground techniques).

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

Salary : $24 - $30