Release Officer

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• Standard office environment, correctional and detention institutions, field offices, courtrooms, offender/client homes, hospitals and schools, and various community settings…