Residential Officer - Waterloo Residential Corrections Facility

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

IPERS Retirement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

State of Iowa - Executive Branch is seeking a Residential Officer for the Waterloo Residential Correctional Facility. This 2nd shift position involves direct service with clients, safety-focused duties, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to promote successful reentry and community safety.

The role emphasizes integrity, responsiveness, and the use of evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies to reduce reoffending risk.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility security checks and searches.
• Transport clients within the community.
• Observe and assess client behaviors and interactions.
• Engage with clients through high-contact interactions to support pro-social behaviors.
• Support case managers and clients in achieving goals, considering individual needs.
• Respond to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent judgment

Teamwork

Motivational interviewing

Cognitive behavioral strategies

Client observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Residential Officer Position

1 Position at the Waterloo Residential Correctional Facility

2ND SHIFT (4:00PM - 12:00AM) WITH WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY OFF

The current starting wage for this position is $22.94 an hour plus shift differential

RESIDENTIAL OFFICERS ARE AN IPERS PROTECTION OCCUPATION STATUS**

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

Applicants must satisfactorily complete a background investigation, including criminal history data. 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 blood borne pathogens. Will be required to become certified in First Aid and CPR.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.