Work Release Officer

County of Anoka; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off – 24 days

Paid holidays – 12.5 days/year

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

County of Anoka seeks a Work Release Officer to monitor and escort inmates, transport detainees, and respond to emergencies in a corrections setting. The role requires strong communication and the ability to supervise inmates within secure facilities.

Shifts include evenings and weekends with training provided. Starting pay aligns with county salary schedule and advances based on experience, education, and qualifications. Benefits include extensive leave and comprehensive insurance options.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma.
• Must be 21 years of age or older by date of hire.
• Preferred: Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Experience in a correctional or group home setting is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are expected.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate safe and efficient custodial intakes and complete release procedures.
• Perform routine safety, welfare, and facility security checks.
• Provide direct supervision of the in-custody population and oversee daily living units.
• Maintain facility rules and handle disciplinary actions and confidentiality.
• Respond to emergencies, de-escalate conflicts, and ensure order.

Skills

Strong verbal and written comms

Ability to work with challenging indiv

Work experience in corrections/group‑h

Education

High school diploma

Degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

Job Posting End Date: November 11, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

Hiring range: $57,324.80 to $77,376 ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays your first year.

In order to be considered for this position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59pm on 11/11/2026 in order to be considered.

Position Description

Working to build a safer community is the mission of the Anoka County Community Corrections department. Community Corrections is committed to leading through implementing innovative, researched based, and results driven services. We believe that individuals can change, and that public safety is enhanced through our balanced approach of targeted interventions and accountability. The department has immediate openings for a Work Release Officer who will perform various duties. Some of the critical responsibilities of this position include monitoring and escorting inmates in the community, transporting inmates, and responding to emergencies. To learn more about the Work Release Officer position, watch this video: Anoka County Career Minute: Work Release Officer .

Anoka County's Human Services division is committed to working with people to improve lives through collaboration across its five departments: Community Corrections, Community Social Services & Behavioral Health, Economic Assistance, and the Job Training Center.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, on-site position. Interviews will begin on November 17, 2026 for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 1108: $57,324.80 to $77,376 ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour).
• Night shift differential for those regularly scheduled at least four hours during evening hours (6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.) as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement.
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at www.anokacountymn.gov/benefits .
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location

This position will work at the Anoka County Workhouse, located at 3300 4th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303.

Work is performed in a corrections environment.

Expected work hours are six consecutive days on duty, including holidays and weekends, followed by three consecutive days off.

Shifts bids are conducted bi-annually, based on seniority. After completion of the required training, most new officers will be assigned to second shift (3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.) or third shift (11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.).

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate safe and efficient custodial intakes and complete release procedures.
• Perform and electronically document safety, well-being, and facility security checks.
• Provide constant and direct supervision of the in-custody population in their daily living units including various work assignments.
• Maintain facility rules and regulations using direct supervision, interpersonal communication, directives, disciplinary action, and physical restraint.
• Respond to and assess emergencies, restore order and security, de-escalate and mediate conflicts directly.
• Contact employers to obtain work reports.
• Conduct inmate spot checks in the community and escort inmates to appointments.
• Transport inmates between facilities and the courthouse; monitor inmates when they are off grounds.
• Collect urinalysis specimens, perform searches, metal detection, and breathalyzer tests.
• Ensure basic inmate needs are always met, including food, clothing, medication/medical services and shelter.
• Use a variety of techniques when interacting with inmates including group approach, teaching, modeling, and confrontation with motivational interviewing components as the foundation of those interactions.
• Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Requires a high school diploma
• Must be 21 years of age or older by date of hire

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Degree in Criminal Justice or related field
• Work experience in a correctional or group home setting
• Ability to work with challenging individuals
• Strong verbal and written communication