Work Release Officer

County of Anoka • Anoka, MN

7d • $57,325 - $77,376 • Onsite

About The Position

Anoka County Community Corrections is hiring Work Release Officers to support its mission of building a safer community through research-based, results-driven services that balance targeted interventions with accountability. Officers perform duties in a corrections environment, including supervising and monitoring people in custody, conducting escorts and transportation, maintaining facility safety and security, and responding to emergencies. This is a full-time, non-exempt, on-site position at the Anoka County Workhouse in Anoka, Minnesota. The work schedule consists of six consecutive days on duty, including weekends and holidays, followed by three consecutive days off. After 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.); shift bids occur twice a year based on seniority.

The hiring range is $57,324.80–$77,376 per year ($27.56–$37.20 per hour), with starting pay determined by experience, education, and qualifications. A night-shift differential may apply to employees regularly scheduled for at least four hours between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., under the collective bargaining agreement. The position is represented by the LELS union. Applicants must have a high school diploma and be at least 21 years old by the date of hire. A degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and correctional or group-home experience are preferred.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age by date of hire.
• Ability to work with challenging individuals preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills preferred.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate safe and efficient custodial intakes and complete release procedures.
• Conduct and electronically document safety, well-being, and facility-security checks.
• Provide constant, direct supervision of the in-custody population in daily living units, including during 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; and de-escalate and mediate conflicts.
• Contact employers to obtain work reports.
• Conduct community spot checks and escort inmates to appointments.
• Transport inmates between facilities and the courthouse, and monitor them when off grounds.
• Collect urinalysis specimens and perform searches, metal detection, and breathalyzer tests.
• Ensure inmates’ basic needs are met, including food, clothing, medication and medical services, and shelter.
• Use varied interaction techniques, including group approaches, teaching, modeling, and confrontation, with motivational interviewing components as a foundation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Benefits

• 24 days of paid flexible time off.
• Up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and flexible benefits.
• Employee medical and dental clinic at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement and professional development opportunities.
• Night-shift differential for employees regularly scheduled at least four hours during evening hours (6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.), as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED