The Arizona Supreme Court/Adult Probation Services Division seeks enthusiastic volunteers to participate in the AmeriCorps Probation Support Services Program (APSS), as an AmeriCorps Member- Probation Assistant. Members will serve along side Probation professionals and provide evidence-based interventions that will in turn decrease a Probationer's chances of re-offending.
Service Activities
• Developing and supporting probationer court-ordered community restitution programs and projects with local volunteer agencies;
• Assisting with the increase of self- sufficiency skills, soft skills, work-force development skills;
• Assisting with the facilitation of integrated cognitive behavior change programs;
• Providing links to education resources, such as access to GED prep courses and technical trainings;
• Aiding with case management duties;
• Providing court navigation assistance and;
• Providing referral services for both probationers and those who are in the re-entry population.
Community Need Addressed
Probationer and Re-Entry individuals suffer from the lack of adequate access to resources. Intervention: Referral Services, access to soft-skills, workforce development and other probation services. Intended Outcome: Increased economic opportunities, decreased recidivism.
Position Outcomes
Increase access to services provided by Probation Departments and surrounding communities and services.
Increased knowledge, healthy choices.
Increased knowledge, problem solving skills.
Increased knowledge of soft skills.
Increased knowledge Self-Sufficiency skills.
Increased knowledge of work-force development skills.
Increase access to education and other training opportunities.
Increased access to referral services.
Increased access to Probation Staff.
Increased access to evidence-base practices.
Increased assess to court services.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend, Training
•AmeriCorps State Summer members receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.
•Upon successful completion of service, AmeriCorps members receive an Educational Award that can be applied to educational costs or student loans.
•Team support and coaching
•Opportunities to participate in Professional Training in the field of Probation and Criminal Justice.
Education Benefits
APSS AmeriCorps Members will also receive training from the Local Host County Sites or other organizations in: CPR, First Aid, Safety Training, training in the use of the Arizona Probation Enterprise Tracking System (APETS), probationer file confidentiality training, and informal peer mentoring and motivational interviewing skills, training on internal county procedures; and policies and practical on the job training from Probation Officers and staff.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment