Work Release Officer

Job Posting End Date: November 11, 2026 at 11:59pm CSTHiring range: $57,324.80 to $77,376 ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays your first year.

In order to be considered for this position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59pm on 11/11/2026 in order to be considered.

Position Description

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 begin on November 17, 2026 for those selected to move forward in the hiring process. 

Pay & Benefits

• Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 1108: $57,324.80 to $77,376 ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour).

• 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.

Work Location

• This position will work at the Anoka County Workhouse, located at 3300 4th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303.
• Work is performed in a corrections environment.
• Expected work hours are six consecutive days on duty, including holidays and weekends, followed by three consecutive days off.
• Shifts bids are conducted bi-annually, based on seniority. After completion of the required training, most new officers will be assigned to second shift (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) or third shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.).

Job Duties and Responsibilities
These examples are not all inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Work Release Officer.

• 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 using direct supervision, interpersonal communication, directives, disciplinary action, and physical restraint.
• Respond to and assess emergencies, restore order and security, de-escalate and mediate conflicts directly.
• Contact employers to obtain work reports.
• Conduct inmate spot checks in the community and escort inmates to appointments.
• Transport inmates between facilities and the courthouse; monitor inmates when they are off grounds.
• 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 boundaries.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

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

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Standard office environment, correctional and detention institutions, field offices, courtrooms, offender'/clients' 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 by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers. 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 is 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 LELS union.

Selection Process

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. This 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.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

About Anoka County

As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives because of the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. United by our mission- Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism- we offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences. Together, we work toward a single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County! Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment

Anoka County is committed to the principles of our 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 our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.

If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process

Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO