Release Assistance Officer

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

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Job Description:

Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) serves the public, and the people we serve may be facing challenging life circumstances, high levels of stress, or confusion about their next steps. The work you will do in this role affects members of our community who come to the court to have their cases resolved. We need people who want to impact their communities, value OJD’s efforts to remove barriers to access justice services, and welcome interacting with the public.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We consider relevant work experience, education, and any transferable skills and abilities that may meet our qualifications or the skills and attributes we need for this position. We welcome all candidates who are inspired by our work and mission. 

The Jackson County Circuit Court in Medford, Oregon, is seeking a dedicated Release Assistance Officer to join our team.

In this vital role, you will help ensure a fair and efficient pretrial process by assessing defendants’ eligibility for court-appointed counsel and evaluating options for release. You’ll apply Oregon law, Chief Justice and Presiding Judge orders, and validated risk assessment tools to determine who can be safely released, balancing the needs of the courts, the community, and the individuals involved.

Your day-to-day work will include:

• Conducting interviews with defendants in custody, often before arraignment, as well as speaking with victims and other involved parties to gather crucial information.
• Using law enforcement, jail, and court case management systems to research background information, complete risk assessments, and recommend release conditions.
• Preparing clear, well-supported release recommendation reports and communicating findings to judges and attorneys.
• Monitoring compliance with release conditions and taking appropriate action when violations occur, including testifying in court when needed.

You’ll also manage an assigned caseload, prepare and review case files, and serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for judges, court staff, law enforcement, community partners, and the public regarding pretrial release and court-appointed counsel processes.

Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the justice system by helping support safe, equitable, and informed release decisions and to collaborate with a dedicated, high performing team.

Instructions for REQUIRED Cover Letter and Work History/Resume

Your cover letter and work history/resume should demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, the Special Qualifications, and the Requested Skills and Attributes, which are listed below.

Cover Letter (REQUIRED)

• Attach your cover letter (not to exceed two pages) in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your cover letter and filename should include your name.
• Address the cover letter “To the Hiring Manager.”
• In the body of your cover letter, please include responses to all Requested Skills and Attributes listed below.
• Do not use a generic cover letter; please personalize your cover letter for this position. We read every letter.
• Prepare your cover letter before starting your Workday application.

Work History/Resume (REQUIRED)

• Attach your updated resume in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your resume and filename should include your name.
  
  OR

• Complete the Job History/Work Experience portion of your Workday profile if you are not using an updated resume.

Document Format

• Preferred format: PDF (.pdf, .tiff) or Microsoft Word (.docx)
• Acceptable format: Image (.jpg, .jpeg, .png) or Notepad (.txt)
• We are unable to accept: Apple (.pages), Google Docs (.gdoc), ZIP (.zip), and Microsoft Word 97-2003 (.doc)

Failure to follow these instructions may result in rejection of your application. All application materials will be evaluated for consistency of information, and your letter will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use in addition to demonstrated experience.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. PT on the date listed above.

(These must be evident in your work history or resume.)

The qualified candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, behavioral or social/human services, or a closely related field.

(These must be verifiable.)

The qualified candidate must have Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification or have the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire. Eligibility requirements for obtaining LEDS certification are available here. 

OJD is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To learn more about this program, and how to qualify, please click here.

Four (4) years’ experience in criminal justice or a court environment.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to four (4) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

(These must be addressed in your cover letter.)

• Experience conducting interviews to obtain personal or financial information.
• Experience communicating calmly and effectively, orally and in writing, with people in emotionally charged and stressful situations.
• Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services and the explanation of laws, rules, or regulations.
• Experience using a computer to access and input information and complete work.
• Experience working in a court, criminal justice, corrections, or other legal environment.

• This is a full-time position, and the work schedule currently is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, working an alternative schedule may be required. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek.
• The onsite work location is within the Jackson County Justice Building, with a considerable amount of time spent meeting with defendants at the Jackson County Jail in person and over video.

• Daily work with confidential documents and information.
• The person in this position sets priorities, handles a broad variety of duties, responds and adjusts to the shifting requirements of the judge and coworkers, and remains calm and efficient under pressure.
• Frequent telephone, video, and in-person contact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Frequent interaction with people who may be angry, hostile, confused, or frustrated and with people who may be charged with violent/sexual offenses.
• Contact with lodged litigants for the purpose of conducting interviews.

• Long periods of sitting while working at a computer.

• Lifting items that weigh up to 40 pounds may be required.

• The following equipment may be used: audio/video equipment, telephone, OJD-assigned computer with multiple monitors, photocopier, and office equipment.

• The qualified candidate must start the process of CJIS clearance within the first week of hire.

By submitting your application to OJD, you consent to reference checks about your qualifications, your workplace performance, and your work product.

United States Employment Eligibility
OJD does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. OJD will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

OJD does not request or require your age, date of birth, or attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

• If you require an alternate format to complete the application process, call 503-986-5930, or TTY: Oregon Relay Service 711 for the hearing impaired. Be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.
• Workday related information and resources are available here.
• For questions about a specific OJD job posting, call 503-986-5930 or email ojd.hrsd@ojd.state.or.us.

The Oregon Judicial Department embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action. We are committed to building a diverse team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.