Residential Officer

State-of-Iow; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

IPERS Retirement package

Flexible Spending Accounts

Free Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Corrections is seeking a Residential Officer for our 24-hour community-based corrections facility in Iowa. You will engage in high-contact interactions with clients, support pro-social behaviours, and work with a multidisciplinary team to observe and assess client behaviours.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential. Responsibilities include security checks, transporting clients, and applying evidence-based behaviour change techniques.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Ability to engage with clients and observe behaviours is essential.
• Commitment to safety and ethical conduct is expected.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility security checks and searches.
• Transport clients within the community.
• Apply behaviour change techniques (motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural strategies).
• Support case managers and clients in achieving goals; consider individual needs and trauma.
• Respond to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Relationship building

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 behaviours, with a focus on programming that fosters personal growth and reduces the risk of reoffending.

We value initiative and independent judgement, and you will be part of a cohesive multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively to observe and assess client behaviours 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 behaviour change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural 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.

This is a variable, full‑time schedule. The hours of work will require flexibility to accommodate the nature of work duties. Changes to this schedule are frequent to include days, nights, and weekends.

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.