Residential Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you thrive in dynamic and demanding situations? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you 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, including:

• Conducting facility security checks and searches
• Transporting clients within the community
• Employing 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)
• Supporting case managers and clients in achieving goals, considering individual needs, disabilities, trauma, and cultural responsiveness
• Addressing and resolving issues as they arise, such as violating behaviors and community safety concerns, while staying focused and objective
• Responding promptly and calmly to emergencies and ensuring safety during high-stress situations

Required:

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Willingness to complete a background investigation as part of the hiring process
• Ability to adhere to universal precautions to minimize exposure to blood borne pathogens
• Certification in First Aid and CPR

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

• Paid time off including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave hours 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. Unless a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act is required, 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 to minimize exposure to blood borne pathogens. Certification in First Aid and CPR is required.

If you’re ready to take on this fulfilling and impactful role, and join a team-oriented, positive work environment, apply now and join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

This position is located at the Residential Treatment Facility in Sioux City, Iowa and is a 40 hours per week float shift. The roles will often cover shifts in either the North or South Facility, at the same location.

E-Verify and Right to Work:
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. New hires will be verified through the E-Verify system within the required timeframe. The State of Iowa also complies with the Right to Work laws. For more information, please visit the official E-Verify website.