Release Assistance Officer (Court Release Officer)

Initial posting date: 08/20/2026    Application deadline: 09/09/2026

About the Role

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) serves the public, including individuals facing challenging life circumstances, high stress, or confusion about their next steps. This role impacts community members who come to the court to resolve their cases. We seek candidates who want to contribute to their communities, value OJD’s efforts to remove barriers to justice, and are comfortable interacting with the public. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Relevant work experience, education, and transferable skills are considered.

Benefits

• OJD pays 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, and separate sick and vacation leave (prorated for part-time employees).
• Optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• 5% bilingual skills allowance (including ASL) if you pass a skills test and use those skills on the job.
• New hires start up to the fourth step of the salary range, with potential for a 5% annual increase.

Responsibilities

• Interview adults in custody and make pretrial release recommendations.
• Manage release agreements and conduct research for judges regarding adults in custody ineligible for release.
• Prepare reports, perform criminal history checks, verify case information, and review intake/booking details.
• Gather victim input, complete risk assessments, and determine eligibility for court-appointed counsel.
• Notify victims and monitor defendants’ compliance with release conditions.
• Serve as a resource to judges in criminal hearings, arraignments, release hearings, and pretrial conferences.
• Testify in court about release recommendations, revocations, and other matters as needed.
• Identify cases for docket additions and perform administrative tasks related to pretrial release (scheduling hearings, updating case information, reviewing court orders).
• Answer questions about pretrial release decisions, release statuses, court procedures, conditions of release, and future court appearances.
• Interact with judges, court staff, law enforcement, defense attorneys, district attorney staff, parole/probation officers, sheriff’s office/jail staff, criminal justice partners, and the public.
• Provide support in person, over the phone, and via email.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration, behavioral/social/human services, or a closely related field.
• OR four years of experience in criminal justice or a court environment.
• OR any equivalent combination of education and experience supporting the role’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.

Skills

• Experience conducting interviews to obtain personal or financial information.
• Ability to communicate calmly and effectively, orally and in writing, with individuals in emotionally charged or stressful situations.
• Experience communicating decisions about approval/denial of benefits or services and explaining laws, rules, or regulations.
• Proficiency in using computers to access, input information, and complete work.
• Experience working in a court, criminal justice, corrections, or legal environment (preferred).
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency (preferred but not required).

Pay

Salary range: $5,254 – $8,152 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time position with services provided Sunday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Rotational shifts may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per workweek.
• Occasional after-hours or overtime work may be required.

Working Conditions

• Co-located with the sheriff in a correctional facility (jail) or court detention setting.
• Subject to jail safety protocols (e.g., lockdowns, personal duress alarms).
• Work involves interaction with in-custody defendants, including those charged with violent/sexual offenses or exhibiting hostility, abuse, confusion, or frustration.
• High and prolonged noise levels in jail facilities.
• Frequent phone and in-person contact with diverse individuals facing challenging circumstances or trauma.
• Work may be performed alone or as part of a team.
• Long periods of sitting at a computer or using the telephone.
• Regular use of telephone, OJD-assigned computer with multiple monitors, copy machine, fax machine, and scanner.

Additional Information

• Finalists undergo an extensive background investigation, including criminal history checks and moral character evaluation.
• Adverse results may disqualify candidates if circumstances relate to the position’s duties.
• Reference checks are conducted with consent.
• U.S. employment eligibility verification (I-9) required within three days of hire; E-Verify used.
• No visa sponsorship offered.
• Veterans and Oregon National Guard members may receive preference with appropriate documentation.
• Employees must uphold high standards of professional conduct and ethics, including confidentiality.