Residential Officer - Fresh Start Women's Center

State of IowaDes Moines - 50314 - Polk County, IA
Onsite

About The Position

This is a first shift (8am-4pm) position that requires weekends at our women’s facility – Fresh Start Women’s Center; the starting wage for this position is $22.94. 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.

Requirements

  • Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency
  • Satisfactorily complete a background investigation, including criminal history data
  • Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license (barring reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act)
  • Adhere to the use of universal precautions in the performance of job duties to minimize the potential risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens
  • Become certified in First Aid and CPR

Responsibilities

  • Conducting facility security checks and searches
  • Transporting clients within the community
  • Employing effective behavior change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies
  • Supporting case managers and clients in achieving their goals
  • Responding to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Long term disability insurance
  • 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
  • Employee Discount Programs
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