Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

The Iowa Correctional Institution for Women is a multi-faceted correctional institution that serves as the only female facility and female reception center for the Iowa Department of Corrections. Correctional Officers are a vital part of ICIW's operations and provide safety and security to the prison population and staff. Please note that after training, it is likely new hires are scheduled for 2nd or 3rd shift and weekends and holidays are required.

Once fully trained, Correctional Officers can make a lasting impact on an incarcerated person's life while also helping maintain safe & secure correctional facilities. New Correctional Officers earn a full time salary as they go through their training, and the State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the private or public sector.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, observes incarcerated individual behavior / interaction with staff, other incarcerated individuals, and visitors; communicates and documents observations to ensure effective security and consistent application of incarcerated individual change principles. Continuously interacts with incarcerated individuals, utilizing behavioral techniques to assist in the development of problem-solving skills, facilitating behavior change, role-playing, effective disapproval, providing positive reinforcement when appropriate, and instituting corrective measures through the effective use of disapproval. Patrols facilities and makes security checks; conducts rounds and incarcerated individual counts; inspects all areas of the institution and grounds for safety / security deficiencies. Conducts searches of incarcerated individuals, vehicles, packages, equipment, incarcerated individuals' cells and property for contraband items. With a balanced approach, instructs incarcerated individuals in rules, policy, procedure, expectations, and assists incarcerated individuals in the development of attitudes and skills necessary for successful adaptation to life within an institution and a pro-social lifestyle. Escorts incarcerated individuals, visitors, and staff inside / outside of the institution and verifies possession of appropriate passes or legal documents. Interacts with the general public, visitors, and victims in person or via phone. Provides information, security, and assistance. Role models pro-social behaviors that convey dignity and respect for others and acknowledge that incarcerated individuals can change their lives by development of skills and the adoption of pro-social attitudes and behaviors. Maintains logs, prepares reports, and enters information into the Department of Corrections electronic record system. Supervises incarcerated individual work assignments and evaluates work performance. Operates electronic doors, telephone systems, two-way radios, intercom, alarm systems, closed circuit TV systems, personal data assistants, computer terminals, and weapons / incarcerated individual control devices. Attends training and professional development classes.

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description (Download PDF reader) .

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.