High Risk Unit Officer - Probation/Parole Officer 3

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Mount Pleasant (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms provided

Assigned vehicle

Job summary

Iowa Department of Corrections is hiring a High Risk Unit Officer to lead field operations, investigations, home visits, and arrests of high-risk individuals under supervision.

The role emphasizes applying law enforcement skills, compliance with the Iowa Code, and collaboration with courts and service providers to promote public safety and rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field.
• Three years of full-time work in a human services or criminal justice field.

Responsibilities

• Lead field operations, investigations, surveillance, home visits and arrests of high-risk individuals under supervision.
• Apply law enforcement skills, review Iowa Code, and ensure public safety and compliance.
• Respond to emergencies with urgency and professional de-escalation.
• Balance enforcement with rehabilitation through cognitive-behavioral interventions and case planning.
• Prepare reports for courts, parole boards and agencies; collaborate with partners.

Skills

Investigations

Surveillance

Home visits

Arrests

Pursuit

Urinalysis tests

Breathalyzer tests

CBI techniques

Case planning

De-escalation

Written reports

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ILEA Certified Preferred

Are you ready to take on one of the most dynamic and impactful roles in community corrections?

As a High Risk Unit Officer with the Iowa Department of Corrections, you will be on the front lines of public safety—engaging with high-risk individuals, ensuring compliance, and making a real difference in your community.

This challenging and rewarding position is ideal for those who thrive in high-stakes environments and are committed to law enforcement, rehabilitation, and public safety.

This is a uniform peace officer position with all equipment provided and an assigned vehicle.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead Field Operations & Maintain a Strong Community Presence – The majority of job duties are conducted in the field, where you will conduct investigations, surveillance, home visits, pursuit, apprehension, and arrests of high-risk individuals under correctional supervision.
• Apply Advanced Law Enforcement Skills – Utilize expert knowledge of the criminal justice system, Iowa Code, and evidence-based practices to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and promote public safety. Conduct home visits, searches, field checks, and execute warrants while adhering to legal protocols.
• Respond with Urgency & Professionalism – Act swiftly and decisively in emergencies, disturbances, and crisis situations, ensuring community safety while using de-escalation and defensive tactics as necessary.
• Balance Enforcement with Rehabilitation – Utilize a treatment-and-accountability approach to encourage and empower clients in making positive life changes. Conduct cognitive-behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, and case planning to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
• Conduct Specialized Supervision – Assess and monitor individuals with complex needs, including substance use issues. Perform urinalysis/breathalyzer tests, implement graduated sanctions and incentives, and maintain compliance with supervision conditions.
• Prepare & Present Critical Reports – Deliver high-quality written and oral reports for courts, parole boards, administrative hearings, and law enforcement agencies, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to Iowa Code and department policies.
• Collaborate with Law Enforcement & Community Partners – Build strong working relationships with courts, law enforcement, and service providers to facilitate client reentry, supervision, and public safety efforts.
• Utilize Law Enforcement Tools & Tactics – Conduct searches, monitor suspicious activity, detain and arrest individuals when necessary, and operate law enforcement vehicles to effectively carry out duties.

E-Verify and Right to Work

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. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in a human services or criminal justice field.
• A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of full-time work as a Probation/Parole Officer