JUDICIAL / PROBATION OFFICER (ADULT PROBATION)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PROBATION OFFICER

Cochise County Adult Probation and Juvenile Court Services

Salary $41,926 plus a competitive benefits package which includes membership in CORP Retirement Plan

(Applicants who applied for this position in the past twelve months do not need to reapply. This recruitment will establish a certification list in anticipation of future openings.)

Position 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.
  
  

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 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. 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.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities/Duties

• Attends various training programs as necessary to learn new techniques, 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.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 21 years and must be a United States citizen or have legal resident status (Supreme Court Order # 2003-92),AND
• Bachelor's degree preferably in the field of behavioral science or a related field (Arizona Supreme Court Order # 2003-92). A waiver for the Bachelor's degree may be obtained from the Arizona Supreme Court for candidates within 12 months of completion of a Bachelor's Degree. The degree must be completed within 12 months of hire if waiver approved, AND
• Preference of one year of experience in a related field, such as but not limited to, criminal justice, social work, and/or counseling.
• Spanish speaking desirable
  
  

Licenses And Certificates

• Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license within 30 days of appointment.
• 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.

Physical Ability/Demands/Working Conditions

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.
• 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).
• Observe behaviors and situations, recall facts, work outside exposed to extreme weather conditions, and perform administrative duties in an office environment.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have skills in the areas of self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact and diplomacy.
• Must establish and maintain a professional role; must adhere to the Arizona Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, exercising sound judgment in personal and professional matters.
• Must have knowledge of the basic principles of psychology and other social science.
• Must have knowledge of the techniques and methods of interviewing and routine investigative techniques.
• Must have some knowledge of the effects and symptoms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and crisis intervention methods and techniques.
• Must have skills in interviewing, counseling, observing and collecting data from clients and other sources pertaining to client activities and behavior.
• Must have skills in the areas of self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact and diplomacy.
• Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as computers, telephones, radios, handcuffs, body armor and other equipment depending on case assignments.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with a diversity of individuals and groups; and present recommendations in court on sentencing and/or probationary terms based on investigative findings.
• 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 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

• Possess knowledge and understanding 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 general human behavior; and evidence-based practices in community corrections.