Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer - State of Iowa Department of Corrections

Are you ready for more than just a job? How about a career that challenges you, shapes lives, and contributes to the safety and security of our communities? The State of Iowa Department of Corrections is on the lookout for dedicated and passionate individuals to join our team as Correctional Officers. This is more than a career; it's a calling to make a positive impact on the lives of those incarcerated while safeguarding the integrity of our correctional facilities.

Position Overview: As a Correctional Officer, you'll be the backbone of the correctional system, balancing the crucial mission of security with the opportunity to help individuals reform and reintegrate into society. This role is not only challenging but immensely rewarding, offering the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in your care.

Training and Compensation: Embark on a journey where new Correctional Officers earn a full-time salary during training, receiving comprehensive instruction to equip them for success. The State of Iowa offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in both the private and public sectors, ensuring you're well taken care of.

Responsibilities: As a Correctional Officer, you will:

• Observe and document incarcerated individual behavior to ensure effective security.
• Utilize behavioral techniques to facilitate behavior change and foster problem-solving skills.
• Conduct security checks, patrols, and inspections to maintain safe and secure correctional facilities.
• Instruct incarcerated individuals in rules, policies, procedures, and expectations for successful adaptation to life within an institution.
• Interact with the general public, visitors, and victims with professionalism and empathy.
• Maintain logs, prepare reports, and enter information into the DOC electronic record system.

Skills Required Include:

• Social Perceptiveness - Be aware of others' reactions and understand why they react as they do.
• Active Listening - Give full attention to what others are saying, ask questions, and seek to understand points being made.
• Monitoring - Assess performance to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Coordination - Adjust actions in relation to others' actions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Consider costs and benefits to choose the most appropriate actions.
• Critical Thinking - Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identify complex problems and evaluate options to implement solutions.
• Speaking - Convey information effectively.

As a State of Iowa Employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Package.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

Join Us: If you're ready for a career that's both challenging and fulfilling, apply today to become a Correctional Officer with the State of Iowa Department of Corrections. Make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities. Your journey begins here.

Note: The Iowa Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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

Minimum Qualification Requirements: Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

Additional Qualification Requirements: All applicants must be able to successfully pass the following:

• Psychological tests
• A background investigation check.
• A post-offer health screen administered by an institutional physician.
• A urinalysis screen for drugs.
• All new employee training during the probationary period, including local orientation, new employee orientation, and emergency preparedness training.
• Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain a Commercial Driver's License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.