Work Release Officer

County of Anoka • Anoka, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Anoka County Community Corrections is dedicated to building a safer, stronger community. Our mission is driven by innovative, research‑based, and results‑oriented practices. We believe people have the capacity to change, and we enhance public safety through a balanced approach that combines targeted interventions with accountability. 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. To learn more about the Work Release Officer position, watch this video: Anoka County Career Minute: Work Release Officer . This is a full-time, non-exempt, on-site position.

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.
• 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.

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 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 including group approach, teaching, modeling and confrontation with motivational interviewing components as the foundation for those interactions.

Benefits

• 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
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees