Release Assistance Officer

State of Oregon • Medford, OR

9d • $5,254 - $8,152 • Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, behavioral or social/human services, or a closely related field.
• 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.
• Law Enforcement Data Systems (LEDS) certification or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• 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.
• Ability to start the process of CJIS clearance within the first week of hire.
• Must meet all applicable background and criminal history checks and be of good moral character.
• Consent to reference checks about qualifications, workplace performance, and work product.
• Complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
• Be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Monitor conditions of release and determine whether those conditions are being met.
• Interview defendants being held in custody, pre-arraignment, as well as victims and other interested parties for purposes of determining risk and recommending release decisions.
• Use internal law enforcement, jail, and court case management systems to research and complete risk assessments and determine release eligibility.
• Communicate release eligibility information to the judge and attorneys through release recommendation reports.
• Testify in court about security, release, or revocation of release for noncompliance.
• Perform clerical and computer work.
• Prepare new files.
• Manage an assigned caseload.
• Review court orders.
• Answer questions from judges, court staff, law enforcement, community partners, and the public about pretrial release or court appointed counsel.

Benefits

• 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid 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).
• Optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job.
• Potential for a 5% annual increase.
• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level