Work Release Officer

Southern Arkansas University; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 57,324 - 77,376; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days of paid flexible time off

Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees

Pension plan and retirement options

Job summary

A local government agency in Anoka is seeking a qualified Work Release Officer to supervise residents in a minimum-security facility, ensuring community safety and successful reintegration. Applicants should have a high school diploma and preferably a bachelor's degree in a related field. Responsibilities include supervising residents, responding to emergencies, and transporting individuals. The position is full-time on-site, offering a salary range of $57,324.80 to $77,376.00 annually, along with various benefits including paid time off and medical services.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age by date of hire.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in a correctional or probationary setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise residents in a minimum-security correctional facility.
• Respond to emergencies and restore order as needed.
• Transport residents and monitor them during off-grounds activities.

Skills

Supervision

Conflict resolution

Communication

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Position Description

Anoka County Community Corrections is dedicated to building a safer, stronger community. Our mission is driven by innovative, research‑based, and results‑oriented practices. The department is currently seeking qualified candidates for the role of Work Release Officer. This position plays a vital part in maintaining community safety and supporting successful reintegration. Key responsibilities include supervising residents in a minimum‑security correctional facility, escorting residents in the community, transporting individuals securely, and responding effectively to emergencies. This is a full‑time, non‑exempt, on‑site position.
Hiring range: $57,324.80 to $77,376.00 ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour). Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

Benefits

• Salary Grade 1108: $57,324.80 to $77,376.00 ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour).
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.

Work Location

• This position will work at the Anoka County Workhouse, located at 3300 4th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303.
• Expected work hours are six consecutive days, including holidays and weekends, followed by three consecutive days off.
• Shift bids occur twice per year based on seniority. After completing required training, most new officers are assigned to second shift (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) or third shift (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.), with a night‑shift differential provided for schedules that include at least four hours between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

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 through direct supervision, interpersonal communication, directives, disciplinary action, and physical restraint.
• Respond to and assess emergencies, restore order and security, and de‑escalate and mediate conflicts.
• Contact employers to obtain work reports.
• Conduct spot checks of residents in the community and escort residents to appointments.
• Transport residents between the Workhouse and the Jail and for medical appointments. Monitor residents when they are off grounds during transports.
• Collect urinalysis specimens, perform searches, metal detection, and breathalyzer tests.
• Ensure basic resident needs are always met, including food, clothing, medication/medical services and shelter.
• Use a variety of techniques when interacting with residents, including group approach, teaching, modeling, and confrontation with motivational interviewing components as the foundation of those interactions.
• Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundary techniques when interacting with residents.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• High school diploma.
• Must be 21 years of age or older by date of hire.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or closely related field.
• One or more years (2,080 annual hours) of experience in a correctional or probationary setting.
• Job‑related experience in a public‑facing security role.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes, such as interview techniques.
• Ability to understand state laws affecting correctional facilities, work release, and related court procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with inmates, co‑workers, visitors, the public, the county and/or collateral sources.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Standard office environment, correctional and detention institutions, field offices, courtrooms, offender/client homes, hospitals and schools, and various community settings depending on assignment.
• Work activities may involve contact with, and the supervision of juveniles or adults charged with major or minor criminal offenses, and/or individuals who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, armed, and aggressive, and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Consequently, some assignments may encounter stressful and physically threatening situations.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to see colors, shades and brightness.
• Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds.
• Ability to detect, discern, and tolerate a wide range of scents required for safety and performance of essential duties.
• Cognitive abilities required include problem solving, prioritization of tasks, short‑ and long‑term memory, interpreting and understanding written documents, and general mathematical skills.
• Assignments require several hours of varied physical activity in addition to viewing a computer screen, sitting at a desk, or walking/standing.
• Physical activity may include handling/carrying equipment, reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Periodic high levels of exertion in the form of self‑defense, pursuit, or restraint of an individual are possible for some assignments.
• Lifting over 100 lbs. in emergency situations.
• Equipment used includes computers, phones, and standard office equipment in addition to various law enforcement equipment depending on assignment.
• Law enforcement equipment may include but is not limited to radios, pagers, handcuffs, first aid equipment, restraints, chemical agents, Tasers, and protective equipment such as masks, goggles, and gloves.
• Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle.
• Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position’s essential functions.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, or other hazards is possible while performing essential duties.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between Anoka County and the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) union.

Selection Process

The application must include all relevant education and experience the applicant possesses. The information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Interviews will take place the week of April 12th, 2026, for those selected to move forward.

Pre‑employment Requirements

Applicants may be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen, DOT physical and/or other qualification checks. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to conduct such screenings and verify qualifications. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Commitment to Equality

Anoka County is committed to the principles of its Affir­mat­ive Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further its affirmative action plan and equal employment opportunity.