Release Assistance Officer

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

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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 Josephine County Circuit Court in Grants Pass, Oregon, is hiring a Release Assistance Officer.

In this role, you will interview defendants being held in custody pending trial, as well as victims and other interested parties, to determine the defendants’ eligibility for pretrial release. You will research and prepare recommendation reports for judges about adults in custody who are ineligible for release. To monitor defendants who are on release agreements, you will conduct research, maintain contact with the defendants to assist them with appearing for court, ensure victim and public safety, verify court dates, and manage and log required check-ins. You will identify and prepare files that need to be added to dockets, and you may attend court hearings to testify about release decisions.

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.

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)

Please do not submit transcripts, certificates, or letters of reference unless specifically requested.

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, language use, and originality 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 have 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 of 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 is eligible for overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek. You must have the ability to work days, nights, swing shifts, weekends, holidays, and a combination of shifts on a rotational basis. Schedules are subject to change due to position necessity.

• Work is performed in a general office environment at the courthouse and within a correctional facility (jail) setting. This position works directly with external law enforcement agencies and staff.

• Frequent phone and in-person contact with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Frequent phone and in-person contact with people who may be facing challenging life circumstances, highly stressful situations, or trauma, including people who may be hostile or abusive.

• This position interacts with people charged with violent/sexual offenses.

• Frequent interruptions and daily work with confidential documents and information.

• This position works alone (without direct supervision) and within a group (with direct supervision).

• Long periods of sitting may be required due to the high volume of work.
• The following equipment may be used: audio/video equipment, telephone, OJD-assigned computer with multiple monitors, photocopier, and office equipment.

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.