Residential Officer

State-of-Iow; Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time and sick leave

Health, dental, vision insurance

IPERS retirement plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee discount programs

Job summary

The State of Iowa, Department of Corrections, invites applications for the Residential Officer role within a 24‑hour community corrections setting. You will serve as a direct service provider, engaging with clients to foster pro-social behavior and personal growth while supporting safety and program delivery.

You will work on a multidisciplinary team, observe client interactions, and utilize evidence-based techniques to promote successful reentry.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to observe and assess client behavior in a corrections setting.
• Willingness to work in a 24-hour community-based facility and participate in program delivery.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility security checks and searches.
• Transport clients within the community.
• Engage clients to support pro-social behaviors and personal growth.
• Support case managers in achieving client goals with attention to trauma and cultural responsiveness.
• Respond to emergencies using approved safety techniques.

Skills

Communication skills

Behavior observation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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 that fosters personal growth and reduces the risk of reoffending.

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'll be trained to employ effective behavior change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies, to facilitate lasting transformation.

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, and you will be prepared to respond to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures.

We value integrity, ethical conduct, and attention to detail in all aspects of our work, and we invite you to become an integral part of our team dedicated to transforming lives and promoting community safety.

As a State of Iowa Employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package including:

• 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

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.

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.