Juvenile Probation Officer
Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County
1810 S Lewis St, Mesa, AZ 85210
Full-Time
$31
OfficeExecutive
Posting Date
07/01/26Application Deadline
07/08/26Pay Range
Min - 1st Quartile - Mid - MaxWhat We Offer
We offer generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays! We have affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, and our employees are entitled to coverage by one of several State-sponsored retirement pension plans, our employee assistance program, and wellness incentives. Additionally, our employees have the option of life insurance, disability, a group legal plan, and pet insurance. Under the current guidelines for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, the Maricopa County Superior Court is a qualifying employer. Therefore, any full time Judicial Branch employee, who meets other eligibility criteria may be eligible for loan forgiveness under this program.Click here to learn more!
Job Type
Classified – Judicial JMRDepartment
About the Position
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 investigations, evaluating probationers’ progress, performing searches, and making arrests. Probation officers coach individuals under their supervision, teach problem-solving skills and foster professional relationships that help to reduce recidivism. Probation officers implement the use of risk-reduction strategies and other evidence-based practices in their supervision to encourage long-term, positive behavioral change.
Juvenile Probation Officer assignments are determined based on the needs of the department. Assignments may be made to Detention, Diversion, a standard field caseload, or a specialized unit, and may be based out of the Southeast, Durango, or other Judicial Branch facility. The hours and days a Juvenile Probation Officer works may vary to include evening, weekend, and holiday work.
After a successful 12-month period after hire (finishing probation), employees may be eligible to telework with supervisor approval and business need.
About The Juvenile Probation Department:
The Juvenile Probation Department of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient juvenile justice services grounded in evidenced-based practices and research. These services improve the safety of our community, hold youth accountable through developmentally appropriate orientation, and ensure the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. Join our Juvenile Probation Department in its mission to promote public safety through positive change as we connect youth to the community and provide opportunities that are delivered with fairness, dignity, and respect.
Position Qualifications
We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Other Requirements:
Twenty-one (21) years of age by time of hire
Must be a US Citizen or Legal Resident of the United States of America
Must successfully complete a pre-employment polygraph and psychological examination
Must possess or can obtain by the time of hire, a valid Arizona driver license
Completion of the 40-hour Defensive Tactics Training Academy no more than 120 days from the date of employment. (As described in the “Working Conditions”)
Completion of the Probation Certification Academy and Intensive Probation Institute, if assigned, within the first twelve (12) months of employment ACJA 6-107(F)
Submission to a medical examination required by Correctional Officer Retirement Plan
Successfully complete eight (8) hours of defensive tactics refresher training on an annual basis and maintain certificate of successful completion of defensive tactics training. Access to and the ability to safely operate a motorized vehicle
Positions in Detention are subject to Tuberculosis (TB) testing. All offers of employment are subject to a negative TB result prior to start date
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from a foreign country must submit an educational equivalency (basic statement of comparability) report completed by an organization which is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or an endorsed member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County does not endorse any particular service.
Our Preferred Candidate Has:
Possess knowledge and understanding of:
Prior experience working directly with youth in a behavioral health, social work, detention, education, or social setting
The principles and practices of social and correctional casework, interviewing, and counseling
The criminal justice system and community resources
Principles of human behavior and evidence-based practices in community corrections
Diversion, Standard and Juvenile and Intensive Probation and community supervision
The principles and practices of investigations and caseload management.
Specialized Training, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements:
Work assignments and locations vary throughout the County. Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the Department. Candidate must be willing to work any and all shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, rotating shifts, and rotating weekends. This position may be assigned to the detention facility. Requires client contact in the field.
In addition to the required completion of the 40-hour Defensive Tactics Training Academy (as described in “Working conditions”), the following is also required:
Completion of the Probation Certification Academy and Intensive Probation Institute, if assigned, within the first twelve (12) months of employment. ACJA 6-107(F)
Submission to a medical examination required by Correctional Officer Retirement Plan
Successfully complete a 40-hour defensive tactics academy and eight (8) hours of defensive tactics refresher training on an annual basis and maintain certificate of successful completion of defensive tactics training
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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 Possess:
Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend, and sit for prolonged periods 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 weights.
Must have skills in the areas of:
Self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact, and diplomacy to maintain effective relationships with a diverse population; demonstrate professional behavior and ethical standards of conduct.
Interviewing, motivating, and interpersonal relationships.
Time management and organization with the ability to apply principles and methods of correctional casework; planning and managing multiple assignments efficiently and effectively.
Critical analysis of individuals and situations to problem solve and make sound decisions.
Effective oral and written communication in English with individuals of varying educational levels.
Essential Job Tasks
Coaches probationers on cognitive-behavioral and problem-solving skills to uphold the conditions of probation while simultaneously working to reduce future criminal behavior
Conducts accurate assessments to identify risk and needs and develops individualized case plans focusing on risk reduction
Conducts meaningful field visits, (home, school, work, treatment facilities, community restitution or detention), office visits, and breathalyzer/urinalysis to employ appropriate risk reduction strategies based upon assessment results
Obtains, assembles, secures, keeps, and files a complete identification record concerning the probationer, including arrest reports, contact notes regarding compliance with conditions of probation and case plans. Maintains the confidentiality of case records and information as required
Builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan, including conditions of probation, through frequent telephone contacts, school visits, worksite contacts, day and evening home contacts
Works with probationers by using targeted interventions to help build skills in areas connected to criminogenic risk and which encourage long-term, positive behavioral change
Participates in case review conferences to determine if change in the level of supervision is warranted
Directs and refers probationers and their families to community resources such as treatment centers or other agencies based on observation of activities, assessments, behavior, and conditions of probation
Monitors payment of restitution and ensures victims’ notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements
Investigates alleged violations of probation, conducts searches, makes a documented effort to locate absconders, and effects arrests, if warranted
Prepares a variety of electronic and written reports, to include pre-disposition reports and violation reports; testifies at court hearings
Collaborates, cooperates, and maintains contact with stakeholders, including other social and law enforcement agencies, to further rehabilitative and/or public safety goals
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with other team members, probationers, community partners, and the public
Maintains attendance and training standards
Additional permanent or temporary assignments may encompass the following additional duties:
Conduct the intake and release process for Juveniles
Assist in assessment and classification of Juveniles
Respond to emergencies inside of a secure Juvenile Detention facility
Perform sight and sound supervision of juvenile detainees
Working Conditions:
Probation Officers have the authority of Peace Officers in the performance of his/her duties per A.R.S. 12-253.3 and can thus serve warrants, make arrests, and bring persons before the court who are under suspended sentences. Because probationers under Court supervision are convicted felons and/or persons with domestic violence convictions, these job duties expose probation officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members, and others in proximity to the probationers. Officers must be able to recognize and handle confrontational situations using defensive tactics and techniques, when necessary. For these reasons, the probation officer position is designated as a safety-sensitive position per 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. Therefore, those selected for the position must complete 40-hour Defensive Tactics Training Academy as soon as practical, but no later than 120 days from the date of employment
The Defensive Tactics Training Academy requires that a Probation Officer 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:
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)
Typically requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing (including the ability to clearly distinguish and identify colors), and repetitive motions. Requires frequently exerting force up to 20 pounds, and occasionally 50 pounds of force to move objects. Requires sufficient strength and coordination for restraining and/or carrying the weight of adults and defending oneself from attack. Requires driving. Work may be conducted in a noisy, crowded area, with exposure to chemicals, solvents, grease, oils, inks, illnesses, diseases, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
Work will be conducted in a secure Juvenile Detention facility and include noisy, crowded areas, with exposure to uncomfortable physical conditions, including heat, cold, wetness, strong odors, dust, pollen, and bloodborne pathogens. May include exposure to disruptive people.
The person(s) selected will make 60% to 80% of their client contacts in the field. These various geographic locations throughout Maricopa County may be inaccessible by public transportation. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license. Officers will be reimbursed for the authorized use of a private vehicle, employees must provide proof of insurance.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak clearly and hear; see details of objects that are less than a few feet away; sit for long periods; stand, walk, use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally push, pull or lift up to 20 pounds.
Additional Information
Judicial Branch Human Resources reserves the right to move forward candidates based on the information provided directly on the application. The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.
Typically, successful candidates are hired at a salary rate up to the midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience, internal equity, and budgetary allowances.
All Judicial Branch offers of employment and continued employment are contingent upon passing a thorough background and/or fingerprint check. Applicants must completely and fully answer any questions regarding felony and misdemeanor convictions including any convictions that have been expunged or set aside. Failure to include criminal history information is grounds for termination of an offer and employment. A conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant.
The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County participates in the State Retirement systems ASRS or PSPRS. As such, mandatory membership for all full-time employees includes payroll deducted contributions consistent with each retirement system's requirements. The current contribution rate for ASRS is 12.27% and the current contribution rate for PSPRS is 5.84% and up for the defined contribution plan and 8.82% for the defined benefit plan. For more information about contributions and benefits of these plans visit https://www.azasrs.gov/ or https://www.psprs.com/corrections-officer/
Judicial Branch facilities are located throughout Maricopa County. This position may be reassigned to other locations. Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the department.
The Judicial Branch in Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.