Desired Job Title
Correctional OfficerCertified Nursing AssistantWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteLocation: Cedar Rapids, IA, USCedar Rapids, IA
Open to relocation: No
Open To Work
RaeLynn Dawson-Jensen
Cedar Rapids,IA
Work Preference
Summary
Experienced Correctional Officer with a strong focus on de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution. Proven ability to manage high-risk situations while maintaining facility security and ensuring the safety of inmates and staff.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Officer
Linn County Jail
Cedar Rapids, IA
02.2016 - 04.2026
- Supervised inmate activities to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify safety hazards and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Managed inmate behavior through conflict resolution techniques and de-escalation strategies.
- Collaborated with team members to implement safety protocols and emergency response plans.
- Trained new correctional officers on procedures, policies, and operational standards.
- Developed and maintained accurate reports of inmate incidents and daily activities for review.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to facilitate transport of inmates for court appearances.
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
- Coordinated with other law enforcement personnel to exchange information.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
- Received and inspected mail, property, and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
- Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
- Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Facilitated effective emergency response drills, preparing staff for potential crises.
- Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular and thorough cell inspections.
- Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.
- Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution strategies.
- Assisted in crisis negotiations, preventing escalations and ensuring safety of inmates and staff.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Completed intake paperwork, and searches.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Linn County Home Health Care
Cedar Rapids, IA
01.2011 - 02.2016
- Provided compassionate care to patients, ensuring comfort and dignity during daily activities.
- Assisted nursing staff with patient assessments, contributing to individualized care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes in patient conditions to healthcare teams promptly.
- Educated patients and families on health management, fostering understanding of treatment plans.
- Streamlined patient documentation processes, improving accuracy and efficiency in record-keeping.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Served as an advocate for each patient's needs during shift handoffs or interdisciplinary conferences with other healthcare professionals.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Adhered strictly to infection control policies while performing tasks such as administering medications or changing dressings.
- Improved patient satisfaction with empathetic listening and addressing concerns promptly.
- Administered medication under supervision of nursing staff, contributing to effective treatment plans.
- Maintained clean and safe environment, reducing risk of infections and promoting health.
- Documented patient conditions and care provided, ensuring accurate health records for informed medical decisions.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate, one-on-one care during daily activities.
- Supported patients with personal care tasks to preserve dignity and promote independence.
- Assisted in rehabilitation of patients, facilitating quicker recovery with exercise and mobility support.
- Advocated for patient rights and needs, ensuring respectful and ethical care.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Prairie High School
Cedar Rapids, IA06-1994
No Degree - Nursing
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IASkills
- First aid training
- Emergency response
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution skills
- Correctional facility procedures
- Restraint techniques
- Inmate monitoring
- Safety and security enforcement
- Self-defense tactics
- Search and seizure procedures
- Observation
- Surveillance
- Contraband seizure
- Security procedures
- Safety
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Relationship building and management
- Facility security
- Crisis management
- Prisoner transport
- CCTV monitoring
- Observation techniques
- Crisis intervention training
- Booking procedures
- Product knowledge
- Excellent problem solver
- Inmate rights
- First aid and CPR certified
- Contraband inspections
- Incident prevention
- Search and seize procedures
- Radio communication
- Armory and key control
- Contraband detection
- Occupational hazards and safety precautions
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Safety and security
- First aid certification
- Written communication
- Excellent communication
- Incident reporting
- Multitasking
- Conflict resolution
- Inmate transport
- Time management
Timeline
Correctional Officer
Linn County Jail
02.2016 - 04.2026
Certified Nursing Assistant
Linn County Home Health Care
01.2011 - 02.2016
No Degree - Nursing
Kirkwood Community College
High School Diploma -
Prairie High School