1

Residential Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Residential DSP

Missouri Valley, IA · On-site

$15 - $16.75/hr

The Residential DSP will report directly to the Residential Supervisor. Essential Duties This ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $18.75/hr

The Residential DSP will report directly to the Residential Supervisor. Essential Duties This ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

Description The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Logan, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $16.50/hr

Description The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Onawa, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.25/hr

Description The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the health and safety ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Missouri Valley, IA · On-site

$15 - $16.75/hr

Description The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Logan, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $16.50/hr

The Residential DSP will report directly to the Residential Supervisor. Essential Duties This ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $18.75/hr

Description The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Description The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

Residential DSP

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the health and safety ... Treat people we serve with dignity and respect. * Assist in the development of community-based ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Residential Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do residential assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential assistant in Iowa is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential assistant?

Residential Assistants (RAs) are student leaders who help manage residence halls or dormitories in colleges and universities. They support and mentor students living on campus, enforce residence life policies, and organize community-building activities. RAs act as a resource for residents, provide guidance during conflicts, and help ensure a positive living environment. They often receive training in leadership, crisis management, and communication to effectively assist their peers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a residential assistant?

To thrive as a Residential Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and a background in student services or related experience, often acquired through campus training programs. Familiarity with incident reporting systems, campus safety protocols, and communication platforms is typically required. Interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict resolution abilities help RAs build community and support residents effectively. These skills are vital for fostering a safe, inclusive living environment and addressing resident needs promptly.

What challenges do residential assistants face and how are they addressed?

Residential Assistants (RAs) often encounter challenges such as mediating roommate conflicts, managing emergencies, and balancing their own academic responsibilities with their RA duties. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and regular training sessions help RAs address these challenges. Additionally, RAs typically have access to a supervisor and campus resources to support them in resolving complex situations, ensuring they are not handling difficult issues alone.

What is the difference between Residential Assistant vs Resident Advisor?

AspectResidential AssistantResident Advisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred
Work EnvironmentOn-campus housing, dormitories, student residencesOn-campus housing, dormitories, student residences
Employer & IndustryColleges, universities, student housing providersColleges, universities, student housing providers
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssist residents, enforce rules, organize activitiesSupport residents, promote community, enforce policies

Both Residential Assistants and Resident Advisors work in student housing environments, assisting residents and fostering community. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Resident Advisor' is more common in university settings, while 'Residential Assistant' may be used in broader housing contexts. Both roles require similar credentials and focus on student support and safety.

How to become a residential assistant?

To become a residential assistant, candidates typically need to be enrolled in a college or university, demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, and apply through their institution's housing or student affairs office. Some positions require previous experience in student leadership or related roles, and applicants may need to complete an interview or training process before starting the position.

Is it hard to get a residential assistant position?

Securing a residential assistant position can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, good communication skills, and sometimes specific certifications. Applicants typically need to demonstrate responsibility, conflict resolution abilities, and a willingness to work flexible hours. The difficulty varies depending on the institution and the number of available positions.

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

The most popular types of Residential jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Residential Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Residential Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Residential Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,653 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Residential DSP

Trivium Life Services

Missouri Valley, IA • On-site

$15 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Trivium Life Services rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Residential DSP is responsible for the day-to-day activities and ensuring the health and safety of individuals living in a 24-hour residential house. In addition, the position will work cooperatively with the persons receiving services, all stake holders, and their interdisciplinary team to support the person's "person centered plan" to achieve quality outcomes. The Residential DSP will report directly to the Residential Supervisor.
Essential Duties
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following essential functions:
  • Treat people we serve with dignity and respect.
  • Assist in the development of community-based experiences based upon persons served interests and staff's skill (such as nutrition, money management, social security benefits, etc.).
  • Advocate for persons served to be included within their communities, as they desire.
  • Facilitate integration and community inclusion.
  • Work as a team member with other staff to provide quality service to the people we serve through HCBS, SCL and other funding sources.
  • Record direct persons served contact hours as instructed on all appropriate forms for efficient and cost-effective use of time.
  • Provide physical assistance to persons receiving services when needed (example 1-2 persons lift to transfer from wheelchair).
  • Document persons served interactions and support interventions in the form of contact notes/Therap ISP data, incident reports, T-log timely and as instructed.
  • Provide safe transportation and supports for persons to access their communities with alternate (safe) transportation methods.
  • Be responsive to and provide emergency intervention for all persons receiving residential supports.
  • Be responsible to the Residential Supervisor and other designated staff and keep them aware of persons served and/or staff support needs.
  • Work cooperatively with other staff and with the person receiving services to provide supports needed and desired to achieve HCBS quality outcomes.
  • Work cooperatively with the persons receiving services and all stake holders (as desired) and their community options team to support the person's Person-Centered Plan.
  • Must have authorized release before sensitive information is given pertaining to TRIVIUM LIFE SERVICES, persons receiving services, and staff.
  • Will be aware of and comply with all HIPAA regulations in coordination with the HIPAA Compliance Officer.
  • Will abide by all Trivium Life Services Corporate Compliance policies and Code of Ethics.
  • Communicate staff schedule needs/changes to the Residential Supervisor and other designated staff responsible for scheduling, in a timely manner and arrange for replacements with independence (getting approval if it will cause overtime) except for emergency situations.
  • Attend staff meetings and training opportunities as scheduled, providing input and feedback to the Residential team concerning persons served support needs and service development.
  • Attend and successfully complete all necessary staff orientation and training functions.
  • Work a shift per an established schedule and be flexible to work outside the shift parameters based upon the needs of the business.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

To perform the Residential DSP job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Builds and develops internal and external relationships, creates partnerships, builds trust, share ideas, and accomplishes work.
  • Embraces change and sets goals that align with the company's vision.
  • Encourages and inspires others through positivity, vision, confidence, challenges, and recognition.
  • Able to gather and evaluate information that leads to smart decisions.
  • Provides clear communication and shares information regularly and concisely.
  • Holds themselves accountable for their performance.
  • The ability to follow and lead by example the Company's mission to empower individuals and to actively seek out opportunities for an enhanced quality of life.
  • Be flexible as to schedule hours.
  • Ability to work an overnight shift.
  • The ability to act as a positive adult role model.
  • Possess basic living skills, good verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Possess good problem solving, decision making and organizational skills.
  • Ability to secure Certification in CPR and First Aid.
  • Ability to push, pull, lift and/or transfer up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to accurately dispense medications as instructed by Medication Manager.
  • Must secure and maintain a private phone.
  • Committed to self-improvement.

Physical Demands
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Residential DSP's job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of this position.
While performing the responsibilities of the Residential DSP job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard.
The employee is often required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision. The employee must be able to travel between locations, and occasionally attend seminars which may require an overnight stay.
Working Conditions
Working conditions are normal for a home environment. Based on the person served needs, the environment will change according to seasons while accessing the community. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Work will require weekend and/or evening work. The employee must be able to travel between locations.
Requirements
The Residential DSP will have the following experience and attributes:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Chauffeur's license and a driving record that is acceptable to Trivium Life Services auto insurance company.

What Trivium Life Services employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom