Residential Officer - Fort Des Moines

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,732,000 - 97,424,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

IPERS retirement package

Paid time off

Professional development

Employer retirement plan with match

Employee assistance program

Job summary

State of Iowa, Department of Corrections, Fort Des Moines, seeks a Residential Officer for second shift and weekend coverage. Starting wage is $22.94 per hour with shift differential, in a 24-hour community-based facility.

The role focuses on preparing clients for successful reentry, engaging in high-contact work, and using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies to foster personal growth while ensuring safety.

Qualifications

• Background investigation required.
• Must have or obtain a valid driver’s license.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility security checks and searches.
• Transport clients within the community.
• Observe and assess client behaviors to guide interventions.
• Apply behavioral techniques to support pro-social change.
• Support case managers and coordinate with teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Motivational interviewing

Cognitive behavioral strategies

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This is a second shift (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) position that requires weekends at our men’s facility – Fort Des Moines; the starting wage for this position is $22.94 an hour plus shift differential.

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.

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

What We Offer

• Hourly rate ranging from $22.94 to $34.00, depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan with employer match)
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)

Applicants must satisfactorily complete a background investigation, including criminal history data. Barring reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employees must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license. Must adhere to the use of universal precautions in the performance of job duties in order to minimize the potential risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Will be required to become certified in First Aid and CPR.

If you're ready to take on this fulfilling and impactful role, and join a team-oriented, positive work environment, and join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

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.