Release Assistance Officer

Oregon Department of Human Services; Medford (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical premium coverage

Holidays & leave benefits

Bilingual skills allowance

Annual raise potential

Job summary

The Jackson County Circuit Court in Medford, Oregon, seeks a dedicated Release Assistance Officer to help ensure a fair and efficient pretrial process by assessing defendants’ eligibility for court‑appointed counsel and evaluating release options. You will apply Oregon law, orders, and risk assessment tools to determine who can be safely released, balancing court, community, and individual needs.

You will interview defendants, research background information, prepare release recommendation

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, behavioral or social/human services, or a closely related field.
• Four years of experience in criminal justice or a court environment.
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to four years of experience that supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Responsibilities

• Conducting interviews with defendants in custody, often before arraignment, and 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.
• Managing an assigned caseload, preparing and reviewing case files, and serving 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.

Skills

Interviewing

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Court environment experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Details

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Release Assistance Officer

Salary Range: $5,254 - $8,152

Initial Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Application Deadline: 10/14/2026

Company

Oregon Judicial Department (OJD)

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.
• You are potentially eligible for a 5% annual increase.

Position Highlights

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Managing an assigned caseload, preparing and reviewing case files, and serving 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• A 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.

Special Qualifications

• Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification or have the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.

Requested Skills and Attributes

• 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.

Work 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. 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 or 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.

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.

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 Eligible veterans and current or former servicemembers with the Oregon National Guard who meet the qualifications will be given preference in the recruitment process. To receive preference, veterans and current or former servicemembers with the Oregon National Guard must attach the appropriate documentation after they receive an email in their Workday inbox requesting the information to verify eligibility. Visit the Oregon job opportunities Veterans, Disabled Veterans & State Servicemembers web page for additional details, information, and resources.

Conduct Expectations

Because of OJD's role in providing justice and upholding the rule of law, employees of the department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the department. As an employee, you will be expected to preserve the confidentiality of information received in the course of OJD employment.

Pay Equity

As an employer, OJD complies with Oregon’s pay equity law. In this job profile, we offer candidates new to OJD up to the third step of the salary range, depending on experience.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Public Service Loan Forgiveness OJD is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.