Work Release Officer

Anoka County

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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 take place the week of January 19th, 2026, for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or closely related field.
• Job-related experience in a correctional or probationary setting.
• One or more years (2,080 annual hours) of job-related experience in security, loss prevention, or military service.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate safe and efficient custodial intakes as well as completing 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, and de-escalate and mediate conflicts.
• Contact employers to obtain work reports.
• Conduct inmate spot checks in the community and escort inmates to appointments.
• Transport inmates between the Workhouse and the Jail and for medical appointments.
• Monitor inmates when they are off grounds during transports.
• 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 boundary techniques when interacting with inmates, including group approach, teaching, modeling and confrontation with motivational interviewing components as the foundation for those interactions.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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