Security Director

Job Description The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks a Security Director for the State Training School (STS) in Eldora. The STS provides a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program for males ages 12–18 who have been adjudicated delinquent. The Security Director oversees all security operations, develops and enforces security policies, leads security staff, and ensures the safety and security of the facility, its residents, and staff. Responsibilities Oversee the security department and coordinate all security protocol and efforts facility-wide. Develop and implement security policies and procedures related to control, accountability, and oversight. Serve as first point of contact for facility tool/equipment issues, rules, policies, guidance, and decision‑making. Supervise all security staff, including performance evaluations, scheduling, orientation, and training. Respond to crisis situations and de‑escalate students using rapport‑based interactions. Act as Duty Superintendent in the absence of the Deputy Superintendent/Superintendent. Enforce tool and Security Risk Item (SRI) control procedures and ensure daily compliance. Conduct daily, weekly, and periodic security checks of all campus locations and support areas. Communicate efficiently and professionally with students and staff, assign work, and provide guidance. Traverse all campus areas, supervise activities, and ensure operational safety and security. Develop, write, and revise security policies and procedures; research best practices. Review special incidents (restraints, critical incidents, etc.) to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines. Demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, decisive judgment, and commitment with minimal supervision. Ensure work rules are followed and confront employees respectfully when necessary. Make sound judgment and decision‑making considering costs and benefits. Apply current security measures for juveniles, keep abreast of trends, and educate staff. Teach de‑escalation and restraint practices and deliver additional security trainings as needed. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university and at least three years of full‑time professional‑level work in a treatment or habilitation program for correctional inmates, the delinquent, disadvantaged, mentally or emotionally ill, or intellectually disabled. A total of seven years of education and/or full‑time experience, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework equal one year of full‑time experience. Combination of education and experience equivalent to (a) one year of full‑time work in a treatment program for delinquent or disadvantaged youth, (b) four years of education or experience, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework equal one year of experience, and (c) two years of graduate‑level education or experience, where twenty‑four semester hours of accredited graduate coursework equal one year of experience. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch for four years as a Resident Treatment Supervisor or Youth Services Technician; or three years as a Correctional Supervisor. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch for two years as a Correctional Security Manager, Treatment Program Supervisor, or Youth Counselor; or one year as a Youth Counselor Supervisor. Professional‑level experience defined by responsibility for assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, evaluation, and modification of treatment objectives; requiring at least four post‑high‑school years in the behavioral, social, or health sciences. Benefits of Joining STS Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Health, dental, and vision coverage. Paid time off: 96 hours of vacation in the first year, 144 hours of sick leave, and nine paid holidays. Retirement plans: IPERS, Retirement Investors Club, and Employer‑Sponsored Retirement Plan with matching contributions. Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. Life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance. Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support. Employee discount programs. Free on‑campus workout facilities, including basketball courts, weight rooms, cardio rooms, showers, and lockers for staff use. EEO/AA Employment HHS encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who have been in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. E‑Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify. All new hires will be verified through the E‑Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa complies with federal Right to Work laws, protecting employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. Location STS is located in Eldora, Iowa. Eldora is a small rural community in north central Iowa, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Des Moines. Additional Information Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. For more information, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Iowa - Executive Branch