Chief Probation Officer

Probation Department Leadership

Responsible for overseeing daily operations of a probation department with over 240 employees in the judicial branch. With administrative guidance, this role supervises and directs every aspect of adult probation operations and related services. It involves working with other division leaders on managing personnel, budgets, records, office logistics, space and equipment, as well as providing research and advisory support for adult probation activities.

Join a leadership team where your expertise drives impact.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is an unclassified position that reports to the Court Administration of Superior Court in Pima County. The incumbent performs responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with goals and policies established by the Presiding Judge, Court Administrator, and the Court Management Team.

Minimum Qualifications:

A master's degree in public administration or a related field (Supreme Court Order # 2003-92) and ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of probation, corrections, or working with offenders or delinquents in some equivalent capacity with a minimum of five years of progressive responsibility in an administrative and leadership capacity.

Important Notice Regarding Multiple Applications:

Once a candidate formally accepts a job offer with Superior Court, Juvenile Court, or Justice Court (Tucson and Ajo), all other active applications within these courts will be inactivated.

Essential Duties & Functions:

• Supports and upholds the mission, supporting goals and objectives for the Superior Court in Pima County and the Adult Probation division.
• Directs, manages, and evaluates the programs, services, and employees of a multiple site organization to ensure effective and compliant service delivery
• Develops, implements, and administers division policies and procedures and directs departmental policy application to ensure consistency with organizational and statutory requirements. Collaborates with judges and court administration to coordinate and provide probation services to the judicial divisions within established standards.
• Coordinates with the Director of Juvenile Court Services on matters impacting both the Adult and Juvenile Probation Divisions to ensure unified and effective operational practices.
• Coordinates, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; tracks and reviews work progress and process; establishes operational performance measures, goals, objectives and priorities.
• Partners with Human Resources and Court Administration on employee related matters such as performance related actions, and/or implementation of corrective and/or disciplinary actions.
• Serves as the liaison between Adult Probation and the Administrative Office of the Supreme Court to implement statewide probation policies and programs.
• Coordinates with Court Administration in the development and administration of a multi-million-dollar budget and provides the leadership to procure financial support from various grant-funding sources.
• Participates in the selection and onboarding of management and key personnel to ensure adequate staffing and leadership continuity.
• Participates in the monitoring and evaluation of division and program budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding requirements.
• Oversees the development and delivery of training programs for employees of the Adult Probation division to ensure compliance, competency, and operational readiness.
• Reviews and assesses the programs, services, and functions of the department to determine their effectiveness, efficiency, cost justification, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitors the development of data gathering processes and ensures the integrity of data and the reports prepared on departmental business activity.
• Collaborates as a member of the Court Management team to plan and provide direction for Adult Probation consistent with other Superior Court services and operations.
• Ensures compliance with Arizona Revised Statues, Federal laws affecting employees, and the rules and policies of Superior Court in Pima County and Arizona Supreme Court.

Additional Responsibilities/Duties:

• Develops innovative strategies and approaches to administer probation programs and services.
• Interfaces with representatives from criminal justice, government, and community agencies to address a variety of issues and establish an integrated approach to provide services.
• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have comprehensive knowledge of programs, services, and functions in the field of probation and/or correctional administration.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of laws, principles, and practices of probation and/or correctional casework.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of administration, budgeting, human resources, management and staff development, and the role of technology in probation programs.
• Must have skills in public relations to interface with key legislative, government, criminal justice, and community leaders.
• Must have the ability to plan, organize, and direct the daily operations and long-term strategies of adult probation programs.
• Must understand principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Reviews pending and proposes new legislation; identifies impact on overall and/or specific probation related operations.
• Analyzes legislation, statutes, and court rulings to establish policies and procedures as necessary to ensure adult probation programs and services are in compliance
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally; presents ideas and concepts to other Directors, Court Administrator, the Presiding Judge, and judges on the Criminal Bench.
• Comply with Superior Court of Pima County Merit Rules, Administrative Procedures and Department Regulations.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess a valid State of Arizona Driver's License at the start of employment and maintain said license while employed in this position.

Must obtain and maintain State Probation Officer Certification.

Must obtain within sixty (60) days of employment and must maintain defensive driving certification.

The successful candidate will be at least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States or have legal resident status, and will be required to successfully pass a background investigation that will include a fingerprint check, background investigation, drug testing for illegal substances, to include alcohol, and psychological evaluation (as required by Arizona Revised Statutes 8-203, A.R.S. 12-251 and Part 6, Chapter 1, Section 6-106 of the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration).

Physical/Sensory Items:

Typically performs duties in an office environment.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform routine office or supervisory tasks.

• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment up to 20 lbs.• Ability to perform basic reaching, bending, and standard keyboarding or document‑handling tasks.• Sufficient vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to review information, participate in meetings, and interact with staff and the public.• Ability to work primarily in an office setting, with frequent travel between court and/or probation locations.• Ability to maintain concentration, make decisions, and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP) Retirement Plan participation is mandatory for all eligible employees in which the employer and the employee contribute a certain percentage of the employee's salary.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, political interest, or any other characteristic or category protected by local, state, or federal law.