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Inmate Advocate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dubuque County, IA

Correctional Officer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$66K - $83K/yr

Supervising the work of inmate workers; * Attending to special needs of prisoners and attempting to ... Health Advocacy * Nurse Support * Care Navigation * Doctor on Demand * $0 Telehealth/urgent care

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Inmate Advocate information

What is an inmate advocate?

Inmate advocates are professionals who work to protect the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals. They serve as liaisons between inmates and correctional staff, helping to address grievances, ensure access to necessary services, and promote fair treatment within the prison system. Inmate advocates may also assist with legal issues, family communication, and reentry planning. Their goal is to support inmates in navigating the challenges of incarceration and advocating for humane conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by inmate advocates when supporting incarcerated individuals?

Inmate Advocates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex prison regulations, addressing limited access to resources for inmates, and managing the emotional impact of working with vulnerable populations. Advocates must maintain strong communication skills to liaise between inmates, correctional staff, and external organizations while ensuring confidentiality and ethical standards. Balancing the needs of inmates with institutional policies can be demanding, but ongoing training and collaboration with legal and social service professionals can help mitigate these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inmate advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inmate Advocate, you need a background in social work, criminal justice, or a related field, often backed by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research tools, and documentation processes is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate stressful situations help advocates build trust and effectively support inmates. These skills are crucial to ensure inmates' rights are protected and their needs are addressed in challenging correctional environments.

Are there inmate advocates?

Inmate advocates are professionals or organizations that support incarcerated individuals by providing legal assistance, counseling, or advocacy services. They often work within correctional facilities or through nonprofit groups to ensure inmates' rights are protected and their needs are addressed. These advocates may have backgrounds in law, social work, or counseling and often require relevant certifications or experience.

How to become an inmate advocate?

To become an inmate advocate, individuals typically need a background in social work, law, or criminal justice, along with strong communication and advocacy skills. Gaining relevant experience through volunteering or internships and understanding prison policies and inmate rights can also be beneficial; some roles may require certification or training specific to correctional environments.
Inmate Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inmate Advocate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Correctional Officer

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Dubuque County, IA
See more jobs at Dubuque County, IAexternal

$66K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary : $66,912.12 - $83,645.64 Annually
Location : Dubuque, IA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-00105
Department: SHF-Adult Correctional
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 3:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SD
Description
Performs intermediate protective and human support service work ensuring the care and security of inmates at the county jail; does related work as required.
Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Jail Administrator, Assistant Jail Administrator, and jail sergeants or acting sergeants.
Job Duties
The duties of Correctional Officers will consist of, but not be limited to:
  • Processing inmates into custody of institution, searching prisoners, taking charge of personal property; providing opportunity to call attorney or relative, advising on institutional rules and regulations;
  • Operating specialized equipment;
  • Patrolling jail area periodically to ensure security and maintain order;
  • Supervising inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures;
  • Serving as turnkey in admitting visitors, attorneys, police officers, and bondsmen;
  • Supervising the work of inmate workers;
  • Attending to special needs of prisoners and attempting to resolve individual problems, if possible;
  • Escorting inmates within the confines of the jail as required;
  • Preparing and maintaining detailed manual and computerized records on inmates;
  • Ensuring the care and maintenance of living quarters and recreational facilities used by inmates;
  • Performing laundry duty as assigned;
  • Arranging visits, inspecting items brought into the jail, checking incoming and outgoing mail;
  • Overseeing the serving of meals to inmates;
  • Distributing and administering medications as prescribed;
  • Maintain a clean workspace
  • Staffing the control room of the jail when needed;
  • Performing related tasks as required or directed.

Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by courses in CPR and first aid.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of all qualifications for this position as required by Dubuque County and the State of Iowa. Must satisfactorily complete an initial several week jail training program, an initial 40-hour jail training program within 1 year of hire at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and 20 hour annual continuing jail education and other department training as required. Satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid Driver's License. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Dubuque County does not sponsor work visas or provide immigration sponsorship.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
General knowledge of the security, rules, regulations, and procedures of the institution; some knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; some knowledge of basic principles of human psychology; ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly; ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately; ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; ability to prepare records and reports.
Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements:
  • Drive a motor vehicle;
  • Assist with the control of jail inmates;
  • Physically restrain/control an inmate physically resisting a lawful order.
  • Use departmental equipment, including telephones, computers, and radios
  • Be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Be able to smell potentially dangerous odors.

EOE/ADA Statement
Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Dubuque County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Dubuque County is proud to offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits package that keeps health insurance costs low for employees while providing strong coverage for you and your family. Along with highly affordable medical insurance, employees enjoy retirement security through IPERS, generous paid time off, and a wide range of programs that support your health, well-being, and financial peace of mind.
  • Medical Insurance with 24/7 access to:
    • Health Advocacy
    • Nurse Support
    • Care Navigation
  • Doctor on Demand
    • $0 Telehealth/urgent care
    • Free talk therapy
    • Discounted psychiatry
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Medical & Dependent Care FSA
  • Life and AD&D (company paid and ability to purchase additional Voluntary Life and AD&D)
  • Long Term Disability (company paid)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Travel Assistance Program
  • PerkSpot - Employee discount program
  • Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Paid Time Off
    • Personal Time Off
    • Vacation
    • Sick Leave
    • 15 paid holidays

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