Foster Care Ombudsman
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Foster Care Ombudsman
Salary
$68,702.40 - $106,267.20 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-00733
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration
Opening Date
09/19/2025
Closing Date
9/29/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
Amy Tack - amy.tack@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Internal Controls & Accountability is seeking a Foster Care Ombudsman to join our team!
This individual will perform third-party complaint resolution in support of youth in foster care, parents, foster families and other parties interacting with the foster care program. They will also provide independent third-party evaluation of complex foster care cases and issue system-level findings and recommendations for department consideration.
This position will serve as the department's first Foster Care Ombudsman and will assist in establishing this new body of work. The right candidate should be comfortable with starting something new and be excited by moving from vision to implementation. This position will be pivotal in creating the structure necessary for the work to be successful.
Responsibilities:
The Foster Care Ombudsman will:
Provide independent third-party evaluation of case actions on complex foster care cases and develop system-level recommendations for department consideration.
Plan, organize and conduct formal case reviews, working for resolution of specific case issues identified by a parent, foster parent, or other involved party.
Confer with attorneys and other concerned parties to acquire information on matters involving the cases.
Provide recommendations for department consideration that ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules, guidelines and program requirements based upon review and analysis of relevant facts, data, policies and information.
Prepare detailed records on case screenings, formal reviews, and disposition of complaints and maintain all required documentation and records.
Answer questions and provide information and technical assistance to staff, family members, foster parents, others interacting with the child welfare system, and the general public about foster care service issues.
Maintain independence from child protective services program staff and ensure objectivity in all case screenings, formal case reviews and complaint resolutions.
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
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to five years of full-time work in investigative or closely related work which involved: preparing interpretative or administrative orders, rules, or regulations which have the effect of law; or interpreting and enforcing federal or state laws governing health care administration; or quality assurance review to determine, through internal audit or analysis, the level of compliance with program requirements; or drafting, negotiating, or examining contracts or related documents required for organizational operations.
2) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to five years of full-time, professional-level work involving the interpretation and enforcement of federal and state laws or department policies and procedures or quality assurance review as determined through internal audit or analysis of the level of compliance to program requirements.
3) Graduation from accredited school of law and experience equal to two years of full-time work as described in number one or two or in the practice of law.
4) A total of nine years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one, two, or three), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to two years of full-time management/supervisory work in the interpretation and enforcement of federal and state laws or department policies and procedures or quality assurance review.
6) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a Compliance Officer 1.
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/ComplianceOfficer2-00641.pdf)
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 graduated from an accredited four-year college or university?IF YES -How many years of experience do you have of full-time investigative or closely related work which involved: Preparing interpretative or administrative orders, rules, or regulations which have the effect of law;ORInterpreting and enforcing federal or state laws governing health care administration;ORQuality assurance review to determine, through internal audit or analysis, the level of compliance with program requirements;ORDrafting, negotiating, or examining contracts or related documents required for organizational operations?
I have not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university and have less than five years of the experience identified
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university AND have five years or more of the experience identified
04
How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education and/or full-time investigative or closely related work which involved: preparing interpretative or administrative orders, rules, or regulations which have the effect of law;ORInterpreting and enforcing federal or state laws governing health care administrationORQuality assurance review to determine, through internal audit or analysis, the level of compliance with program requirementsORDrafting, negotiating, or examining contracts or related documents required for organizational operationsORfull-time, professional-level work involving the interpretation and enforcement of federal and state laws or department policies and procedures or quality assurance review as determined through internal audit or analysis of the level of compliance to program requirements? Note: 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.
I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
Less than five years of the combined education and/or experience
Five years to less than nine years of the combined education and/or experience
Nine years or more of the combined education and/or experience
05
Have you graduated from an accredited four year college/university? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have of full-time professional-level work involving the interpretation and enforcement of federal and state laws or department policies and procedures or quality assurance review as determined through internal audit or analysis of the level of compliance to program requirements?
I have not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university and have less than five years of the experience identified
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university and have five years or more of the experience identified
06
Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Compliance Officer 1 for the State of Iowa?
I am not a current State of Iowa employee
I have no experience in the classification of Compliance Officer 1 for the State of Iowa
Less than 18 months of experience in the classification of Compliance Officer 1 for the State of Iowa
18 months or more of experience in the classification of Compliance Officer 1 for the State of Iowa
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State of Iowa
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