Probation Officer - Show Low IPS

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 school/work, conducting interviews and social or pre-sentence/pre-disposition investigations, evaluating probationers' progress, performing searches, and making arrests.

Because probationers under Court supervision are 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 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.
• Build 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 their duties.
• Appears and testifies in court.
• Monitors payment of restitution and probation fees and ensure 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 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 that weighs 16 ounces).
  • Kick at targets below 24" (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 (OC) spray.
  • Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground.
  • Be able to bend knees lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing techniques).
  • Be able to bend knees to a 45 degree angle (all ground techniques).
• Investigate cases referred to the officer and makes a written report to the court.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend and sit for prolonged period.