Sex Offender Unit Surveillance Officer (Adult Probation) - Sierra Vista

About the Department

NATURE OF WORK:  Under general supervision, performs certified surveillance officer work of moderate difficulty in the security, supervision, care, and welfare of probationers; performs related duties as assigned.

Position Duties

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES: (Illustrative Only) Provides surveillance and supportive 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; monitors the assigned probationers; meets with probationers in their homes or at their places of work; performs searches and makes arrests; performs closely structured surveillance and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, community restitution or jail) 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 probation officer; builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan including conditions of probation through frequent telephone contacts, work site contacts, day and evening home contacts; directs and/or refers probationers 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 (surveillance 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 ensures victims’ notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire; must be a United States citizen; must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; 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 Intensive Probation Institute, within the first twelve (12) months of employment [see ACJA §1-302(K)(4)]; must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan. Applicants must successfully complete a psychometric test, polygraph, physical examination and criminal background check, including no felony convictions; successful completion of mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing are required; at time of hire must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license and the ability to be covered by county insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Preference may be given to individuals with an Associate degree in Behavioral Sciences or a related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education.  Preference may be given to individuals with one year of experience in a related field such as, but not limited to, criminal justice, social work, and/or counseling.  Preference may be given to individuals who are bilingual in Spanish.  

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of: 

• the basic principles of psychology and other social science;
• techniques and methods of interviewing and routine investigative techniques; 
• the effects and symptoms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and crisis intervention methods and techniques;
• 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

Skill in:   

• interviewing, counseling, observing, and collecting data from clients and other sources pertaining to client activities and behavior;
• self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in order to maintain effective relationships with a diverse population;
• 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. 

Ability to: 

• establish and maintain a professional role; 
• adhere to the Arizona Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees;
• exercise sound judgment in personal and professional matters;
• 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;
• read, write, and speak English;
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• be flexible and maintain a calm demeanor in a fast-paced, often stressful environment.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed under general supervision in a variety of climatic conditions; exposure to potentially hazardous, disabling, and life-threatening situations.  Requires working early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Essential functions of this position require lifting, manual dexterity, fine and large motor skills, ability to communicate; lifting, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, stooping, turning/twisting, balancing, reaching, and handling with varying frequencies.  

Heavy work:   Occasional lifting and carrying objects up to 75 pounds, Frequent lifting and carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; and/or continuous lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling 10-20 pounds.  

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills.

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCochise CountyAddress Cochise County 1415 Melody Lane, Building G

Bisbee, Arizona, 85603 Phone(520) 432-9700
Website http://www.cochise.az.gov