Residential Officer

State of Iowa; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

IPERS Retirement package

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

State of Iowa's Department of Corrections in Cedar Rapids seeks a Residential Officer to support clients reentering society in a 24-hour community-based facility. You will engage directly with clients, elicit pro-social behaviors, and implement programming aimed at reducing reoffending.

You’ll work with a multidisciplinary team, observe and assess behavior, conduct security checks, and transport clients as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage diverse clients and build trust.

Responsibilities

• Perform facility security checks and client searches.
• Transport clients within the community as needed.
• Collaborate with case managers to support client goals.
• Apply behavior-change techniques (motivational interviewing, CBT) to facilitate progress.
• Respond to emergencies with appropriate safety measures.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Behavior change techniques

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
• IPERS Retirement package and option for deferred compensation
• 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.