Residential Officer

State of Iowa; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off including vacation, paid

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

IPERS Retirement package

Flexible Spending Accounts

Free Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

The State of Iowa seeks a Residential Officer for our 24-hour community corrections facility. You will engage with clients in high-contact interactions, support pro-social behaviors, and help deliver programs that reduce reoffending while ensuring safety and security.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team, observe client behavior, and apply motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies to facilitate lasting change. Graduation from high school or GED required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work with diverse clients in a corrections setting.
• Knowledge of behavior-change techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Engage in high-contact interactions with clients in a 24-hour facility.
• Observe and assess client behaviors and interactions.
• Support case managers and clients in goal achievement.
• Respond to emergencies using defensive tactics when needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Motivational interviewing

Cognitive behavioral strategies

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.