Probation Officer (Adult Probation) - Countywide

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES: (Illustrative Only) Performs closely structured supervision and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation including directing and counseling the probationer and parents/guardians when supervising juveniles and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, schools, community restitution, or detention) 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/school site contacts, day, and evening home contacts; directs and/or refers probationers and parents/guardians when supervising juveniles, 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; appears and testifies in court; monitors payment of restitution and probation fees and ensures victims’ notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements; investigates cases referred to the officer and makes a written report to the court’ assesses clients’ personalities, social history, risk to the community, individual needs and other relevant factors to determine rehabilitation potential and plans to assist with rehabilitation; maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts and other relevant events and issues on each assigned client; prepares various reports as required; directs and/or refers clients to community resources such as treatment centers or other agencies based on observation of activities, behavior, and conditions of probation; transports probationers to detention centers, jail and other agencies, organizations, or facilities as needed or ordered by the Court; attends various training programs as necessary to learn new techniques and comply with new laws or departmental policies; interfaces with community agencies and law enforcement departments in the performance of duties; remains abreast of contemporary social and economic conditions, regulations, guidelines, community social services programs, and resources as they relate to probation and the justice system. 

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or technical school with a major in Behavioral Science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education; must be 21 years of age at the time of hire; must be a United States citizen; 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 §1-302(K)(4)]; must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan. Applicants must successfully complete a psychometric test, polygraph, physical examination and criminal background check, including no felony convictions; successful completion of mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing are required; at time of hire must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license and the ability to be covered by county insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Preference may be given to individuals with one (1) year of experience in a related field such as, but not limited to, criminal justice, social work, and/or counseling.   Preference may be given to individuals who are bilingual in Spanish.  

Knowledge of: 

• the basic principles of psychology and other social science;
• techniques and methods of interviewing and routine investigative techniques; 
• the effects and symptoms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and crisis intervention methods and techniques;
• 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

Skill in:   

• interviewing, counseling, observing, and collecting data from clients and other sources pertaining to client activities and behavior;
• self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in order to maintain effective relationships with a diverse population;
• 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. 

Ability to: 

• establish and maintain a professional role; 
• adhere to the Arizona Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees;
• exercise sound judgment in personal and professional matters;
• 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;
• be flexible and maintain a calm demeanor in a fast-paced, often stressful environment;
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• read, write, and speak English.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed under general supervision in a variety of climatic conditions; exposure to potentially hazardous, disabling, and life-threatening situations.  Requires working early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Essential functions of this position require lifting, manual dexterity, fine and large motor skills, ability to communicate; lifting, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, stooping, turning/twisting, balancing, reaching, and handling with varying frequencies.  

Heavy work:   Occasional lifting and carrying objects up to 75 pounds, Frequent lifting and carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; and/or continuous lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling 10-20 pounds.  

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills.

Salary : $44,025