Work Release Officer

About the Role

Under direction, supervises and monitors the daily activities of work release inmates, and their movement in and out of the jail annex facility. Transports and/or coordinates the transportation of inmates to and from their place of employment, and to other approved locations. Provides daily supervision of an assigned caseload of work release inmates, monitoring compliance with work schedules, work release rules, and sentence conditions. Generates reports related to inmate performance and compliance. Performs administrative support and enforcement tasks as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Conducts initial intake and processing of assigned inmates to explain program rules and sentence conditions.
• Completes processing packets, obtains required personal history information, and generates appropriate files.
• Works with assigned inmates, prospective employers, and departmental employment coordinator to secure and maintain employment for assigned caseload.
• Coordinates, oversees, and evaluates working hours, weekly work schedules, pay scale, and transportation needs of assigned caseload.
• On a rotating basis, serves as an administrative desk officer overseeing all aspects of the daily movement of inmates in and out of the jail annex, including:
  • Identification of inmates
  • Maintaining a log of all in-bound and out-bound inmates
  • Verifying identification of authorized transportation providers
• Transports inmates to and from their place of employment and to other approved locations.
• Directs and monitors all daily activities of work release inmates by conducting employer phone contacts, time card verifications, and payroll records.
• Monitors performance, attitude, and compliance of assigned inmates.
• Counsels inmates in response to performance/attitude deficiencies, personal difficulties, and minor rules violations.
• Conducts searches of inmates, inmates' property, and inmate living areas.
• Conducts random and for-cause testing for alcohol or other drug use by inmates.
• Obtains and transports urine samples for laboratory testing.
• Maintains case files and other documentation related to assigned inmates.
• In coordination with bookkeeping staff, manages all court-ordered and personal financial obligations for assigned caseload.
• Documents and reports rules and sentence violations to generate incident reports and notification letters to sentencing judges.
• Appears in court as required and attends sentencing dockets to provide documentation and testimony in review, revocation, and other hearings involving work release.
• Performs limited administrative and enforcement tasks in support of departmental operations, including:
  • Conducting background and criminal history checks
  • Investigating and documenting incidents of work release rules violations
  • Obtaining and executing warrants
  • Performing secure transport of inmates and detainees
• Maintains departmental warrant files and performs other clerical tasks related to warrants.
• Conducts pre-trial release interviews in the County Jail to determine release eligibility.
• Sets release conditions and obtains judicial approval for release.
• Completes pre-trial release bond paperwork and related file documentation.

Requirements

• A degree with major course work in criminal justice, corrections, behavioral science, or a closely related field is preferred, but not required.
• Basic knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure.
• Basic knowledge of the methods and practices of criminal justice and corrections agencies, specifically in community-based programs and institutional correctional facilities.
• Knowledge of current concepts in the field of behavioral science.
• Skill in interviewing and counseling.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and through written reports and summaries.
• Ability to effectively supervise inmates in a fair and consistent manner.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directives.
• Ability and initiative to coordinate and complete multiple tasks.
• Skill to drive a multi-passenger vehicle and operate a two-way radio.
• Skill in the safe handling and use of firearms.
• Requires sufficient strength and coordination for restraining and/or carrying the weight of adults and defending oneself from attack.

Physical Requirements

• Must possess verbal and hearing skills necessary to conduct interviews, explain rules and sentencing conditions, operate a two-way radio, and perform court appearance duties as required.
• Must have the mobility to drive a van or car to transport work release inmates, handcuff inmates, and detain inmates in the event of physical confrontation.
• Must possess adequate vision to operate a vehicle, conduct searches, and maintain all necessary files and documentation.
• Must be available for on-call duty and shift work.

Certifications or Licenses

• Must possess a valid Driver's License.
• Candidate must possess a valid Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). The MVR will be obtained and reviewed annually to ensure compliance with company driving standards.
• Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission certification is preferred, but not required.

Schedule

7:00 am - 9:30 am / 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm (varies)