Residential Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you thrive in dynamic and demanding situations? We have an exciting opportunity to become a key player in preparing clients for successful reentry into society as a Residential Officer at the Iowa Department of Corrections.

As a Residential Officer in our 24-hour community-based corrections facility, you will be a direct service provider, engaging in high-contact interactions with clients. You will play an essential role in eliciting and supporting pro-social behaviors, with a focus on programming to assist clients make positive changes and increase community safety. We value initiative and independent judgment, and you will be part of a cohesive multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively to observe and assess client behaviors and interactions.

Your exceptional communication skills and ability to build quality relationships with clients will be essential in driving positive change.

Your responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of tasks from conducting facility security checks and searches to transporting clients within the community. You will be trained to employ effective behavior change techniques, including cognitive behavioral strategies and core correctional practices (e.g., prosocial modeling, skill practice, role playing, problem-solving, and providing positive reinforcement).

Your dedication to client welfare extends to supporting case managers and clients in achieving their goals, considering individual needs, disabilities, trauma, and cultural responsiveness. Safety is paramount. You will address and respond swiftly and urgently to critical situations while retaining composure under pressure and be prepared to respond to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures. You will help facilitate resolution to issues that arise, such as violating behaviors and/or community safety concerns, or other critical issues while remaining focused and objective.

• Integrity, confidentiality and ethical conduct
• Ability to engage in both crucial conversations and offer praise
• Technology adept
• Self-driven and collaborative
• Positive and empathetic
• Flexible schedule; ability to be on call to meet staffing needs

• Paid time off including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave hours that you can accrue
• Excellent Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Package
• IPERS Retirement package and option for deferred compensation
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Free Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Discount Programs

Applicants must satisfactorily complete a background investigation, including criminal history data. Barring reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employees must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license. Must adhere to the use of universal precautions in the performance of job duties in order to minimize the potential risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. Will be required to become certified in First Aid and CPR.

As a State of Iowa Employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package including: Note: E-Verify and Right to Work and related information are described below.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

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Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.