Probation Officer II

Pima County•Angleton, TX

2d•$29 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Probation Officer II, as a lead officer, will participate in the planning and development of new officer training, coordinate the orientation of new officers, serve as a mentor to support the performance development of officers, perform duties of a probation officer, and coordinate various in-service education and special projects. Depending on the needs of the Division, may be assigned to Court or Field Services (required to transfer at short notice). Different assignments may require diverse strengths in performance of duties. 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.

Requirements

A minimum age of 21 years and must be a United States citizen or have legal resident status (Supreme Court Order # 2003-92)
A bachelors degree preferably in the field of behavioral science or a related field (Supreme Court Order # 2003-92) and three years of post-graduate work experience in probation as a probation officer or a higher-level position.
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 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.
Must have basic knowledge of principles of psychology and other social sciences.
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 possess skills in interviewing, counseling, observing and collecting data from probationers and other sources pertaining to probationer activities and behavior.
Must have oral and written communication skills with the ability to present recommendations on sentencing and probationary terms in court based on investigative findings.
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 present recommendations in court on sentencing and/or probationary terms based on investigative findings.
Perform work that requires 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, regulations, hear and understand speech and radio transmissions, and record information accurately and completely.
Observe behaviors and situations, recall facts, work outside exposed to extreme weather conditions, and perform administrative duties in an office environment.
Must have, or will be, required to successfully demonstrate through proficiency testing, competency in, and an 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 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 Capsicum (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 technique), Be able to bend knees to a 45 degree angle (all ground techniques).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Experience serving as a lead, mentor, and/or trainer within a probation environment.

Responsibilities

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 the 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, such as changing from one work function to another. Provides mentoring and performance feedback to officers during their training until the officers reach a level of competence.
Directs and/or refers probationers and their families to community resources, such as counseling services, and treatment centers based on observation of activities, behavior and conditions of probation.
Monitors activities of probationers by conducting visits to their homes, work sites, schools, treatment facilities and conducts legally authorized searches of person, places or belongings.
Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts and other relevant events and issues on each assigned probationer.
Mediates and resolves complaints between provider agencies and clients.
Participates on special projects and committees as assigned and leads the efforts of officers as they participate on special projects and committees.
Provides input to the Probation Officer III.
Requests warrants and makes the arrest 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.

Benefits

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