Release Assistance Officer

Release Assistance Officer

Interviews: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, it may take several weeks after the application deadline for us to schedule interviews.

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.

Benefits to You

• We pay 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees), and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• OJD will pay you a 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job.
• In this job profile, we offer candidates new to OJD up to the third step of the salary range, depending on experience. You are potentially eligible for a 5% annual increase.

Position Highlights

The Jackson County Circuit Court in Medford, Oregon, is hiring a Release Assistance Officer.

In this role, you will determine defendants' eligibility for court appointed counsel and options for pretrial release by applying Oregon laws, Chief Justice orders, and Presiding Judge orders and using risk assessment tools. You will determine who, upon release, is most likely to appear in court, is unlikely to commit new offenses, and does not pose a threat to the community or themselves. You will also monitor conditions of release and determine whether those conditions are being met. Your work will focus on interviewing defendants being held in custody, pre-arraignment, as well as victims and other interested parties for purposes of determining risk and recommending release decisions. As part of the pretrial process, you will use internal law enforcement, jail, and court case management systems to research and complete risk assessments and determine release eligibility, then communicate that information to the judge and attorneys through release recommendation reports. You may also be required to testify in court about security, release, or revocation of release for noncompliance.

Additionally, you will perform clerical and computer work, prepare new files, manage an assigned caseload, review court orders, and answer questions from judges, court staff, law enforcement, community partners, and the public about pretrial release or court appointed counsel.

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

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.

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. on the date listed above.

Minimum Qualifications

(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.

OR

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

OR

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

Special Qualifications

(These must be verifiable.)

The qualified candidate must have Law Enforcement Data Systems (LEDS) certification or have the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire. Eligibility requirements for obtaining LEDS certification are available here.

Requested Skills and Attributes

(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.

Working Conditions

• 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.
• Occasional local and overnight travel may be required for trainings and meetings.
• Daily work with confidential documents and information.
• Frequent telephone, video, and in-person contact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Frequent interaction with people who may be hostile, confused, or difficult and with people who may be charged with violent/sexual offenses.
• Long periods of sitting or standing while working at a computer.
• Frequent bending or reaching below knee level or above shoulder level.
• Lifting items that weigh up to 40 pounds.
• 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.

Additional Information

Criminal Background Check Finalists for this position will be subject to an extensive background investigation. The successful candidate must meet all applicable background and criminal history checks and be of good moral character. Moral character is defined as possessing the attributes of empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty, loyalty, and additional virtues deemed to be morally good. Adverse results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification if the circumstances are directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Reference Checks

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.

Future Vacancies Apply now if you are interested in this or future vacancies. This job announcement may be used to fill future vacancies in this class of work. Age-Based Discrimination

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

Veterans' or Oregon National Guard Preference