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Detention Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Illustrative Examples of Work Provides back up for intake at the detention facility; interviews clients, juvenile court officers, legal guardians, and law enforcement personnel to obtain family and ...

OTR Driver

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$2.0K - $3.0K/wk

Paid detention, layover & extra stops. * Loads all over 48 states (mostly Midwest, South & Southeast). * 2022-2027 automatic trucks. * 1099 - weekly direct deposit. * 24/7 dispatch and support.

CDL Driver

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$1.9K - $2.3K/wk

Paid detention, layover, and extra stops. * Weekly direct deposit. * 24/7 dispatch support. * 1099 position. * Based in Chicago, IL. * Runs mainly Midwest, South, and Southeast, but we cover all 48 ...

CDL Driver

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$1.9K - $2.3K/wk

Paid detention, layover, and extra stops. * Weekly direct deposit. * 24/7 dispatch support. * 1099 position. * Based in Chicago, IL. * Runs mainly Midwest, South, and Southeast, but we cover all 48 ...

Paid detention, layover, and extra stops. * Weekly direct deposit. * 24/7 dispatch support. * 1099 position. * Based in Chicago, IL. * Runs mainly Midwest, South, and Southeast, but we cover all 48 ...

Paid detention, layover, and extra stops. * Weekly direct deposit. * 24/7 dispatch support. * 1099 position. * Based in Chicago, IL. * Runs mainly Midwest, South, and Southeast, but we cover all 48 ...

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Detention information

See Iowa salary details

$24K

$47.1K

$74.7K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in Iowa is $47,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $51,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention officer?

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Detention jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Detention job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,109 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Juvenile Detention Youth Worker (Part-time)

Woodbury County

Sioux City, IA โ€ข On-site

$23.40 - $33.11/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description Responsible and accountable as a Youth Worker for the daily care, personal guidance, and recreational programs for juveniles, ages 13-17; help establish and maintain detention care life and standards; and assists with counseling, guidance, and evaluation of juveniles pursuant to regulations established in the Iowa Administrative Code under the direct authority of County Juvenile Detention Director and County Assistant Juvenile Detention Director Duties The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Responsible for receiving juveniles at the facility and determining acceptability Responsible for obtaining necessary/pertinent information regarding alleged offenses Will take an active part in the screening of juveniles to determine their acceptability and disposition at the facility Prepares records on each admission and notifies and advises parents or guardian, caseworker, intake officer, D.H.S. worker, lawyer, relevant agencies and significant others as to the procedures and process of the facility Will be responsible for orienting juveniles, parents, workers, lawyers, concerned agencies and significant others as to the policies, procedures and functions of the facility Advises the relevant parties as to the action that will be taken with the individual juvenile Responsible and accountable for providing a safe and secure environment for those juveniles detained Youth Worker directly supervises the security of all juveniles, assisting juveniles with their behavioral, emotional, medical and programming needs Responsible for coordinating activities at different levels within the facility, the judicial/juvenile court system, the juvenile resource system and the law enforcement system Will assist with coordinating appointments, court dates, transportation and communication between the juvenile workers, and system resources Will make behavioral observations and record them in the daily logs and the juvenile's files Will utilize behavior management skills including discipline and rewards at appropriate times Will interact with the juveniles on a one to one basis in counseling situations and juvenile total group situation Will implement the Daily Living Program and supervise the juveniles therein throughout the day in all areas of the Daily Living Program Will assist the juveniles in recognizing and maintaining good personal hygiene skills Will be aware of the juveniles medical and special needs and coordinate activities in these areas and be responsible for the completion of these duties and records Will assist with ordering meals, meal preparation and serving meals as well as snacks when appropriate.Will also assist and supervise the clean up after meal times Will assist with and supervise the daily cleanup and maintenance of the Facility Responsible for being knowledgeable of all laws and rules governing juvenile detention and receiving Must be knowledgeable of the Iowa Juvenile Code (chapter 232) and the Iowa Code as it applies to the Facility Must be knowledgeable of the various segments of the juvenile court and resource system including intake, D.H.S., probation/parole, youth serving agencies, and other components that make up the total system Will be responsible for being familiar with security measures as they apply to the Facility Will be responsible for becoming familiar with and implementing the policies and procedures of the facility as set forth by the Facility Handbook, and the Facility Director Will be familiar with basic counseling skills and techniques including good listening and communication skills Perform various other County Juvenile Detention related tasks/assignments/special projects as directed by the County Juvenile Detention Director and/or County Assistant Juvenile Detention Director Attendance is required Required Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Required to Perform Essential Functions: A copy of H.S. or College Diploma is required Graduation from an accredited high school with two (2) years of college and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in working with juveniles in a facility or the community, or a combination of the above with substitution on a year for year basis Ability to train and instruct personnel Be physically capable of performing the duties expected of a Youth worker and be free of infectious and communicable diseases.Both of the above physical requirements will need to be verified by a report signed by a physician

Preference will be given to those that have existing knowledge of the Iowa Juvenile Code, Iowa Legal Code and counseling skillsMust possess the personal maturity to maintain equilibrium under unusual stress or social interaction pressure Candidate for hire must pass a mandatory child abuse/adult abuse and criminal history check, a physical examination, vision, back screen and drug screen prior to formal offer of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. Candidate for hire must pass a mandatory child abuse/adult abuse and criminal history check, a physical examination, vision, back screen and drug screen prior to formal offer of employment.

The use of clearly spoken English for the skills and purposes of this job. Attendance is required. Supplemental Information Applicants for employment should contact the Human Resources Dept., Room 701 of the Woodbury County Court House between the hours of 8:00 a.m

to 4:30 p.m. for further information A copy of transcripts or diploma, a completed County application form and a resume are required. Deadline for receipt of applications shall be: 4:30 p.m., July 13th, 2026 or until filled