Correctional Counselor

Salary : $56,992.00 - $86,361.60 Annually
Location : Mount Pleasant - 52641 - Henry County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00744
Agency: 246 Corrections - Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Sara Menke - View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description
The Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility is a minimum custody, male facility that houses approximately 1150 incarcerated individuals. Our goal is to offer treatment, work, education and apprenticeship opportunities in order to prepare them for their entry back into the neighborhoods of Iowa.

Our Mission:
The mission of the Iowa DOC is "Creating opportunities for safer communities, and our MPCF mission is, "Helping people become their best," and we need talented and passionate people to fulfill our mission! We are looking to grow our MPCF team with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for making those missions a reality every single day.

Hours of Work:
This position is posted for the Minimum Live Outs building. MLO, as it is called, is comprised of approximately 160 Incarcerated Individuals of the lowest custody level. The majority of the population at MLO works during regular business hours, therefore this position's hours will be from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Correctional Counselor:
This position gives employees an opportunity to have a positive effect not only the lives of our incarcerated population, but also the other employees of the Department of Corrections, as well as the incarcerated person's families and communities.
Positive impacts are made through:
Providing individual and group guidance and related counseling services to incarcerated individuals within a correctional facility,
Participation in the development and implementation of specific plans and goals for rehabilitation,
Development of plans and goals for reintegration into the community, as well as other related work as required.

What we offer the selected candidate:
Collaborative and respectful team environment.
Opportunities for professional development and personal growth
Excellent pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending and life insurance
Biweekly vacation accrual and separate sick leave
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package
Optional 401A plan with employer contributions

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


Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Four years of full-time work experience in providing individual and group guidance and related counseling services in the areas of social, behavioral, educational, vocational and related program planning; or performing correctional, law enforcement, or jail administration duties involving community reentry preparation, pro-social behavior modeling, or supervision of individuals in work assignments.
2. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on this .

Additional Qualification Requirements


Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and endorsements.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?


Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


Do you have a total of four years of full-time work experience in providing individual and group guidance and related counseling services in the areas of social, behavioral, educational, vocational and related program planning; ORPerforming correctional, law enforcement, or jail administration duties involving community reentry preparation, pro-social behavior modeling, or supervision of individuals in work assignments?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a total of four years of post-high school education in any field and full-time work experience in providing individual and group guidance and related counseling services in the areas of social, behavioral, educational, vocational and related program planning; or performing correctional, law enforcement, or jail administration duties involving community reentry preparation, pro-social behavior modeling, or supervision of individuals in work assignments? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• Yes
• No

Required Question