Position Summary:
A presentence report writer is a specialized probation officer responsible for preparing detailed reports for judges prior to sentencing. These reports provide objective, comprehensive information that assists the court in determining an appropriate sentence and guiding future probation supervision. In this role, you will gather and verify information from police reports, court records, medical and psychological evaluations, employment and educational history, victim statements, and other relevant sources. You will also complete a risk/need assessment to evaluate the defendant’s risk level (low, medium, high) and identify specific needs related to supervision, treatment, or rehabilitation.
Once the information is compiled, you will prepare a standardized report for the Court that includes sentencing recommendations such as appropriate probation conditions, supervision level, and treatment requirements. This position requires strong writing, research, and analytical skills; effective interviewing and communication abilities; and the capacity to meet strict deadlines. This role may be considered non safety sensitive and may not require attendance at the defensive tactics academy. Because of the nature of this position, work from home is currently allowed up to three days per week.
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.
Essential Job Functions:
- 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.
- Builds 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 his or her 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: 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 (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 techniques), 13) 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.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- 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(F). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Be a United States citizen or legal resident.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Have a bachelor’s degree with a preference in the behavioral sciences or a related field from an accredited college or university.
- Be a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years.
- Complete background/reference checks, interviews, polygraph and/or drug testing, and preemployment 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 6107(F)].
- Must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan.
Required Knowledge, Skill & Ability:
- 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 of time and/ or drive a vehicle.
- The manual dexterity necessary to reach, grasp, handwrite, and use a computer.
- Vision is 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 weight.
- Must have skills in the areas of:
- Self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact and diplomacy in order to maintain effective relationships with a diverse population.
- Interviewing, motivating, and interpersonal relationships.
- Time management and organization with the ability to apply principles and methods of correctional casework.
- Critical analysis of individuals and situations in order to problem solve and make sound decisions.
- Effective oral and written communication.
Preferred Knowledge, Skill & Ability:
- Possess knowledge and understanding of:
- The criminal justice system and community resources.
- Diversion, Standard and Juvenile and/or Adult Intensive Probation and community supervision.
- Social and community corrections casework.
- Principles of general human behavior; and evidence-based practices in community corrections.
Supplemental Information
- Starting Salary: $50,876.80 - $70,699.20 (competitive salary based on qualifications)
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. For information regarding benefits, click here (Download PDF reader).
Why Join La Paz County?
Working for La Paz County offers more than just a career—it’s a chance to make a difference in your community. You’ll join a dedicated team of professionals committed to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The county also offers a supportive work culture and opportunities for professional growth.
Special Requirements
Employment with La Paz County is contingent upon successfully passing a criminal background check and verifying work history, academic credentials, licenses and certifications, as applicable. This job description is not a complete statement of all the responsibilities of this position.
To Apply
To be considered for the Probation Officer position, you must submit:
- a completed La Paz County Employment Application
- a signed and notarized Authorization and Release form for the purposes of a full background investigation
- and, an Affidavit of Employment per ARS 8-203.01D
All forms can be found on the LaPaz.gov/jobs posting at https://shorturl.at/S7Qr4
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,876.80 - $70,699.20 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
