Child Protection Worker
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Child Protection Worker
Salary
$53,289.60 - $80,371.20 Annually
Location
Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
25-03498
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - Family Well-Being and Protection
Division
Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection.
Opening Date
07/14/2025
Closing Date
7/24/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
Chris Silberhorn - chris.silberhorn@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being and Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services is seeking a Child Protection Worker to join our team!
Do you enjoy working with children and families? If so, this is a great opportunity! Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has a current opening for a team member in the Family and Child Well-Being Division. HHS is responsible for working with families who have experienced abuse and neglect. Child Protective Workers conduct assessments of allegations of abuse or neglect of vulnerable children. These vital frontline positions require multi-tasking and the ability to gather physical and documentary evidence and analyze information with accuracy and efficiency to assist in protecting the most vulnerable Iowans.
This is a full-time opportunity, Monday - Friday with typical hours being from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM with paid overtime as needed including after-hours and weekend on call rotation. All paid overtime must be pre-approved by leadership. These positions require an in-office presence to your assigned location with a probationary period of six months. Upon successful completion of probation, you will be eligible for a pay increase and again 12 months later. Some flexibility in schedule is allowed with supervisory approval. Overtime may be required based on business need and position will require working some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
This position will be domiciled (work location) in Ames. Telework may be an option for this position if requested by the employee and approved of by management. but the position is based in the assigned county and will serve clients in that and surrounding counties. Mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Accounting Enterprise Procedures. A valid driver's license is required.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Assess the ongoing risk to children, develop safety plans, assess the strengths, and needs of the child and family, and make recommendations to various county attorneys and courts.
Frequent interaction with law enforcement, medical/mental health community partners, schools, etc.
This position requires the ability to apply Iowa Code, agency policy, and sound professional judgment to highly complex situations involving crises and or chronic abuse or neglect
All cases assigned to persons in this position require home visits, detailed interviews, and thorough narrative documentation
Troubleshoots problematic situations to find innovative solutions to present to administration and the supervisor. Confronts crisis situations and high stress situations in a calm and orderly manner. Maintaining confidential information as required by the agency and assuring safety is a top priority for all in the office
Obtain information from a wide variety of sources, including written materials, telephone conversations and through computer databases and to be able to read and interpret the data
Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain reasonable facts, data, or other information that analyzes information and draws accurate conclusions
Interacts in a team environment to manage group processes, facilitates, and encourages cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity, fosters commitment and team spirit
Works with others to achieve goals
Within an office environment, provides Division support to large segment of agency through managing internal and external requests for information and legislative reviews requiring comprehension of request, independent judgment and adherence to agency formatting of timely response or communication. Interact with employees and customers in a positive customer service manner to resolve problems and answer customer inquiries. Customer contacts may include correspondence, telephone, or walk-ins to the local office
This position will be required to work or be on standby during nights and weekends on a rotational basis.
The ideal candidate will have:
Strong observational and analytical skills, as well the ability to respectfully engage families as partners in planning for safety and establish a working relationship with families
Excellent judgment and communication skills and the ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner
The ability to develop case plans, use critical thinking skills, prioritize work and work under pressure
The ability to use independent judgement to make sound decisions, demonstrate integrity and confidentiality and a strong work ethic
Strong investigative experience/skills.
To ensure the Service Area provides the best service to the residents of Iowa, applicants should demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Preference will be given to the ability to speak more than one language. Please list any additional languages you speak in your application.
Preference will be given for education or experience which correlates directly with the requirements and duties of the position.
Benefits
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a
comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and
your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to
begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9
days/year).
Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%
and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC),
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to
$75/month).
Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and
dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee
Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
For additional information on benefits click here.
Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;
OR
graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in social work and the equivalent of two years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;
OR
a Master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university;
OR
an equivalent combination of graduate education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university and qualifying experience up to a maximum of thirty semester hours for one year of the required experience;
OR
employees withcurrentcontinuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Social Worker 2 shall be considered as qualified.
For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\and\pay/JobClassDescriptions/SocialWorker3-03016-23016.pdf) .
Additional Qualification Requirements
For designated positions in case management, the appointing authority may request those applicants possessing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or at least 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the behavioral sciences, education, health care, human services administration, or social sciences and the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience in the delivery of human services in the combination of: chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities as a Targeted (Medicaid) Case Manager;
OR
an Iowa license to practice as a registered nurse and the equivalent of three years of full-time nursing or human services experience with the above population groups.
Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable course work, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
Yes - I understand and agree.
No
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
03
Have you COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university?IF YES- How many years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency do you have?
Not applicable - I have not COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas
One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas
Two years to less than three years of work experience in the identified areas
Three years or more of work experience in the identified areas
04
Have you COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university?IF YES- How many years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency do you have?
No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas
One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas
Two years or more of work experience in the identified areas
Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
05
Do you have a Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university?
Yes
No
06
PLEASE READ ALL PARTS OF THIS QUESTION - Have you completed a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university?IF YES- Do you have three years of a combination of GRADUATE (post bachelor's degree) education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university AND qualifying experience in a social work capacity?
NOTE 1:Applicants must have a MINIMUM of two years of the required experience.
Note 2:A maximum of thirty semester hours in the specified area of graduate study can substitute for one year of experience.IF YESDo you have at least two years of experience in a social work capacity AND a combination of ONE year of the following: one year of additional work experience in a social work capacity (not used to count for the first portion of the question) OR GRADUATE (post bachelor's degree) education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university? 30 semester hours of the GRADUATE LEVEL courses equals one year of experience.
Yes
No
07
If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many years of work experience do you have in the classification of Social Worker 2?
Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa Employee
No experience in the classification of Social Worker 2
Less than one year of experience in the classification of Social Worker 2
One or more years of work experience in the classification of Social Worker 2
Required Question
Employer
State of Iowa
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