Correctional Officer

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Rockwell City (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Correctional Officer, where you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of an institution while positively influencing the lives of incarcerated individuals. In this dynamic position, you will utilize behavioral techniques to foster problem-solving skills and facilitate behavior change. Your responsibilities will include conducting security checks, supervising work assignments, and interacting with the public. This role not only requires strong communication and observational skills but also a commitment to modeling pro-social behaviors. If you are passionate about making a difference and helping others, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent is required.
• Must pass psychological tests and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Observe and document incarcerated individuals' behavior and interactions.
• Conduct security checks, rounds, and inspections for safety deficiencies.
• Instruct incarcerated individuals on rules and assist in skill development.

Skills

Behavioral Techniques

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Security Awareness

Pro-Social Behavior Modeling

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Doors

Two-Way Radios

Computer Terminals

Closed Circuit TV Systems

Job description

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, observes incarcerated individual behavior/interaction with staff, other incarcerated individuals, and visitors; communicates and documents observations to ensure effective security and consistent application of incarcerated individual change principles.

Continuously interacts with incarcerated individuals, utilizing behavioral techniques to assist in the development of problem-solving skills, facilitating behavior change, role-playing, effective disapproval, providing positive reinforcement when appropriate, and instituting corrective measures through the effective use of disapproval. Patrols facilities and makes security checks; conducts rounds and incarcerated individual counts; inspects all areas of the institution and grounds for safety/security deficiencies. Conducts searches of incarcerated individuals, vehicles, packages, equipment, incarcerated individuals’ cells and property for contraband items.

With a balanced approach, instructs incarcerated individuals in rules, policy, procedure, expectations, and assists incarcerated individuals in the development of attitudes and skills necessary for successful adaptation to life within an institution and a pro-social lifestyle. Escorts incarcerated individuals, visitors, and staff inside/outside of the institution and verifies possession of appropriate passes or legal documents. Interacts with the general public, visitors, and victims in person or via phone. Provides information, security, and assistance.

Role models pro-social behaviors that convey dignity and respect for others and acknowledge that incarcerated individuals can change their lives by development of skills and the adoption of pro-social attitudes and behaviors. Maintains logs, prepares reports, and enters information into the DOC electronic record system. Supervises incarcerated individual work assignments and evaluates work performance. Operates electronic doors, telephone systems, two-way radios, intercom, alarm systems, closed circuit TV systems, personal data assistants, computer terminals, and weapons/incarcerated individual control devices.

Attends training and professional development classes.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

All applicants must be able to successfully pass the following:

1. Psychological tests
2. A background investigation check.
3. A post-offer health screen administered by an institutional physician.
4. A urinalysis screen for drugs.
5. All new employee training during the probationary period, including local orientation, new employee orientation, and emergency preparedness training.
6. Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain a Commercial Driver's License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

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