JOB 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 may expose the probation officers to physical harm from 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(F)(1)(b). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The Superior Court in Pinal County values your experience. We review every candidate for a salary offer that is both equitable and applicable to the position range. Based upon your direct experience and background, a salary offer will likely be presented to you within our starting minimum to midpoint of range ($53,060.25 - $63,300.00).

WHY US?

Pinal County and the Superior Court offer amazing benefits. Who knew there was a workplace that wants to see your wellbeing by providing you with a Sabbatical starting at 5 years of service? Plus paid vacation, sick, and holidays? And benefit plans that include things like hospital coverage, pharmacy, medical, vision, dental... and more! We strive to work hard and reward hard work with our perks and balance. Benefits | Pinal County, AZ

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Behavioral or Social Science, or related field per Arizona Supreme Court Order # 2003-92; AND
• A minimum age of 21 years and must be a United States citizen, per Arizona Supreme Court Order # 2003-92.
• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.

Special Requirements for continued employment

• Must successfully 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(F)].
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and procedures; counseling practices and behavioral modification techniques.
• Knowledge of social and economic factors in the community and the motivation factors and needs of probationers.
• Knowledge of human services available through probation assistance programs.
• Knowledge of the purpose of community resources, court and justice system environments.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership, supervision and training.
• Knowledge of principles of file and records management as they pertain to court system.
• Knowledge of security considerations and measures.
• Ability to maintain required skills, licenses, permits, and/or certifications associated with an area of specialized instruction or expertise, such as firearms qualification or a specialized caseload.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in court related matters.
• Ability to work with material/information that is confidential, sensitive or urgent and requiring extreme tact, courtesy and mature judgment.
• Ability to conduct effective interviews and verify information obtained.
• Ability to research program documents and narrative materials, and to compile reports from information gathered.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports; maintain case files.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in analyzing and applying standards to a variety of situations.
• Ability to observe behaviors and quickly analyze situations, detect problems and recall facts, respond to emergencies or stressful situation calmly, quickly, and decisively.
• Ability to follow instructions, both verbal and written.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary for job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, telephones, radios, handcuffs, body armor or other equipment needed for case assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend, and sit for prolonged periods of time and/or drive a vehicle. May be required to stand and walk for at least half of their scheduled work shift. Manual dexterity to reach, and grasp; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard. Ability to withstand varying weather. Vision sufficient to see and read; Hear and speak to communicate with customers in person and over the phone; lifting up to 50 pounds, unloading, pushing, dragging and/or carrying items of various weight to and from locations throughout the County.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in the field and/or office setting. Will be required to drive throughout the state. May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and some overtime, may be subject to irregular work hours/schedules; employees are subject to immediate callout when an emergency occurs.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications.

Working for the Judicial Branch in a safety-sensitive position, you are required to submit to pre-employment examinations that may include but is not limited to: criminal history with fingerprints and driving history, background interview, drug screening, psychological examination, and reference checks.

Every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States is welcome to apply.

However, Pinal County cannot currently offer visa sponsorship or STEM OPT.

We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities.