Admissions/Release Specialist

Application deadline: September 11, 2026. This posting covers all future Admissions/Release Specialist vacancies within the next 6 months.

About the role

This is a full-time clerical position that performs the initial intake and processing of individuals entering the Kenosha County Jail, ensuring accurate documentation and recordkeeping. This role also involves handling financial transactions related to inmate accounts and bail, and facilitating the release process.

Pay

Starting rate: $22.26 per hour. Previous work experience in a jail and/or law enforcement agency may be considered in determining the starting rate. Pay grade range: $22.26 – $28.32 per hour.

Schedule

The Kenosha County Jail operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Full-time employees work 12-hour shifts on a rotating pattern: two days on, three days off; two days on, two days off; and three days on, two days off. Employees must work scheduled holidays, weekends, and any of the existing shifts. Overtime may be required with or without advance notice.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process individuals into the Kenosha County Jail, including gathering personal information, physical and health conditions, fingerprints, and photographs.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records of inmates, including physical and electronic files.
• Verify wanted/warrant checks and other legal documents related to the arrest at intake and prior to release.
• Document inmate cell transfers, scheduled events, visitation, phone conferences, and other approved visits in jail management software.
• Interpret various legal documents and accurately document charges to inmate records.
• Interpret daily court documents to determine if and when an inmate should be released.
• Communicate with courts, probation and parole, and other local, state, or federal agencies as needed.
• Identify inmates requiring initial court appearances, prepare inmate court and medical transports, and track court appearances and outcomes.
• Update and maintain records based on court activity and for issuance of bond forms.
• Receive and process incoming and outgoing inmate mail.
• Maintain accurate records of inmate accounts and disburse funds as needed.
• Monitor the intake security area and inmate video visitation, responding to observed violations.
• Answer phone calls, respond to public inquiries regarding inmates, take messages, and refer calls.
• Monitor a designated email address 24/7 and respond accordingly.
• Work at the jail counter, answer phone calls, respond to public inquiries, relay information, and release jail property.
• Perform audit functions of inmate records in accordance with record retention requirements.
• Maintain TIME system certification.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Previous work experience in in-person customer service, reception/front desk, or related field requiring data entry, multitasking, and attention to detail.
• Must possess a valid, non-probationary driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Must pass a qualifying background investigation.
• Must work scheduled holidays, weekends, and any assigned shift.
• Must be able to work overtime with or without advance notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience with cash handling responsibilities.
• Work experience in a law office or law enforcement agency setting.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English (pay differential available).

Skills

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, including filing methods, telephone procedures, and recordkeeping.
• Basic computer data entry and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Basic math and cash handling skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate office equipment such as PCs, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, and calculators.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, multitasking environment and interpret complex rules, regulations, and laws.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment while adhering to protocols and chain of command.
• Ability to manage aggressive, hostile, or emotional behavior from incarcerated individuals or the public, both in person and on the telephone, while maintaining self-control and professionalism.
• Ability to manage and process sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to complete tasks in a noisy environment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment; premium contributions may be reduced through participation in a wellness program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off, including volunteer time off.
• Holiday Pay and Shift Differentials.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, including County-paid life insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Light physical demands, including exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.
• Occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects such as files, mail, and other work materials.
• Ability to speak clearly so listeners can understand and hear/understand the speech of others.
• Ability to view details of documents and text on a computer screen within a few feet.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices.
• Ability to move through the office to access files and attend meetings/trainings.

Work Environment

The work environment and exposures described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Frequent work in an office or similar indoor environment within a detention center or correctional facility.
• Frequent exposure to individuals who may be rude, irate, have known violent backgrounds, and/or communicable diseases.