Work Release Officer

Job Posting End Date: April 4, 2024 at 11:59pm CSTHiring range: $48,859 ($23.49 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County. After successful completion of a 6-month probation period salary, $24.66 per hour.

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 paid of 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.

Position Description

The Anoka County Community Corrections mission is Working to Build a Safer Community. Community Corrections is committed to leading through implementing innovative, researched based, and results driven services. Help us provide our belief 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 Work Release Officers 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.

This is a full-time, position. Interviews will be scheduled for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: $48,859 ($23.49 per hour).
• Salary: $51,292 ($24.66 per hour) after successful completion of 6-month probation period.
• 2024 Anoka County LELS union Salary Schedule Grade 1108: $48,859 to $68,640 ($23.49 to $33.99 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 five days on duty, two days off, including weekends and holidays.
• Shifts are bid bi-annually based on seniority.
• After completion of the required training, most new officers will be assigned the second (3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.) or third (11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.) shift, due to the shift bid process.

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 as well as completes 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, restores order and security, and de-escalates 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 met at all times, 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.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• High School diploma or equivalent education.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be at least 21 years of age before the start date of this position.

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.
• Job-related experience in a correctional or probationary setting.
• One or more years of full-time (2,080 annual hours) job-related experience in security, loss prevention, or military service.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques. Able to understand state laws affecting correctional facilities, work release, and related court procedures.
• Able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with inmates, co-workers, visitors, the public, the county and/or collateral sources.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• 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.
• Equipment may include but is not limited to radios, handcuffs, first aid equipment, restraints, and protective equipment such a s masks, goggles, and gloves.
• Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle.

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 show 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, we depend on the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. We offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences who can come together for the 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 .

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:

Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: