Probation Officer II

About the role

The Probation Officer II serves as a lead officer, participating in the planning and development of new officer training, coordinating orientation of new officers, performing as a mentor to support performance development, performing duties of a probation officer, and coordinating various in-service education and special projects. Different assignments may require diverse strengths in performance of duties.

Distinguishing characteristics

• Classified position reporting to a Probation Officer III
• Performs duties under general supervision with lead responsibilities over other officers in the same unit
• 24-hour operation with two 24-hour facilities; may consist of day, evening, or overnight shift depending on division needs

Hiring pay range

$28.55 - $31.40 hourly

Minimum qualifications

• Minimum age of 21 years
• Must be a United States citizen or have legal resident status (Supreme Court Order # 2003-92)
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in behavioral science or a related field (Supreme Court Order # 2003-92)
• Three years of post-graduate work experience in probation as a probation officer or higher-level position

Preferred qualifications

• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing probation officers or other staff
• Experience managing complex or high-risk caseloads and preparing comprehensive court reports and recommendations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Essential duties & functions

• Acts on behalf of the Probation Officer III in the supervisor's absence or as appropriate
• Leads and monitors the work of an assigned group of probation and/or surveillance officers
• Serves as a resource for officers to resolve issues relating to assigned caseload
• Coordinates the assignment of cases among officers with unit supervisors and may assign new cases to officers
• Assists the court by preparing and presenting presentence reports and pre-disposition recommendations
• Develops, recommends, and implements training strategies and programs for probation officers
• Provides mentoring and performance feedback to officers during training until they reach a level of competence
• Directs and/or refers probationers and their families to community resources such as counseling services and treatment centers
• Monitors activities of probationers by conducting visits to homes, work sites, schools, treatment facilities, and conducts legally authorized searches
• Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and relevant events on each assigned probationer
• Mediates and resolves complaints between provider agencies and clients
• Participates on special projects and committees as assigned and leads efforts of officers on special projects and committees
• Provides input to the Probation Officer III
• Requests warrants and makes arrests of probationers when necessary
• Appears and testifies in court as required
• Assists supervision in the continual development of performance measures
• Performs related duties and projects as necessary

Required physical qualifications

Must successfully demonstrate through proficiency testing competency in and understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics and techniques, including the following or their comparable alternatives:

• Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown)
• Perform minor aerobic activity
• Stand for up to 2 hours at a time
• Engage in balanced movements
• Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes)
• Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton weighing 16 ounces)
• Kick at targets below 24 inches (front snap kicks)
• Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery)
• Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed
• Sustain exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray
• Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground
• Bend knees to lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing technique)
• Bend knees to a 45-degree angle (all ground techniques)

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of the basics and principles of psychology and other social sciences
• Knowledge of the techniques and methods of interviewing and routine investigative techniques
• Knowledge of the effects and symptoms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and crisis intervention methods and techniques
• Skills in interviewing, counseling, observing, and collecting data from probationers and other sources pertaining to probationer activities and behavior
• Oral and written communication skills with ability to present recommendations on sentencing and probationary terms in court based on investigative findings
• Ability to operate equipment necessary to perform job duties such as computers, telephones, radios, handcuffs, body armor, and other equipment depending on case assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with a diversity of individuals and present recommendations in court on sentencing and/or probationary terms based on investigative findings

Physical/sensory requirements

• Good physical strength and condition to apply restraining techniques, defensive tactics, react to physical confrontations and emergency situations
• May lift and carry up to 75 pounds
• Bend, reach, kneel, crouch, crawl, and stoop when necessary
• Read and comprehend court orders, reports, written rules, and regulations
• Hear and understand speech and radio transmissions
• Record information accurately and completely
• Observe behaviors and situations and recall facts
• Work outside exposed to extreme weather conditions
• Perform administrative duties in an office environment

Background check and post-offer requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license
• 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 date of employment [ACJA 6-107(G)]
• Must demonstrate by proficiency testing competency and understanding of physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the Defensive Tactics Training Academy
• Must successfully complete 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 12 months of employment [ACJA 6-107(F)]
• Must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan
• Fingerprint and criminal history check through ACJIS and NCIC
• Motor Vehicle Record check in Arizona and any prior state of residence
• Department of Child Safety Central Registry search for historical allegations of child abuse or neglect
• Mandatory urinalysis drug screening for: cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamine, ecstasy (MDMA), oxycodone, heroin, alcohol, and cannabis/marijuana
• Passing pre-employment psychological examination and physical fitness certification for duty
• Post-offer tuberculosis screening

Benefits

• Corrections Officers Retirement Plan (CORP)
• 15 days of vacation, 12 holidays, and 15 days of sick leave
• 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave
• Employer-paid Short-term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement of $5,250 per year
• Health Wellness discount program
• Mental and Behavioral Health Benefits
• Paid Training with Advancement Opportunities
• Upon yearly anniversary, 56 hours of sick time accrued (less usage) may be rolled over to vacation time

Additional notice

Once a candidate formally accepts a job offer with Superior Court, Juvenile Court, or Justice Court (Tucson and Ajo), all other active applications within these courts will be inactivated. This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position in accordance with ACJA 6-106(A) and ACJA 6-107(A) because probationers under Court supervision are convicted felons and/or persons with domestic violence convictions, exposing probation officers to risk of assault.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.