Child & Family Services Case Aid

State of Iowa•Ottumwa - 52501 - Wapello County, IA

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Family Well-Being & Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is hiring a Child & Family Services Case Aid for the Cedar Rapids Service Area. The position is based out of Wapello County HHS at 120 E Main St, Ottumwa, Iowa, and covers Ottumwa and surrounding areas. The Case Aid works alongside social workers and families after initial assessments, helping families access services, address challenges, and build safer, more stable futures. The role involves ongoing case management support, including coordinating resources, monitoring progress, supporting permanency planning, advocating through collaboration with service providers and legal partners, and helping address underlying issues and promote reunification when possible. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with an on-call rotation that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays. Telework may be available after a six-month probationary period. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.50 per mile. A valid driver’s license may be required, travel may be required, and employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. Applicants must complete a background check.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in Social Work, Human Services, Case Management, Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology, or Nursing; or an equivalent combination of experience and education, substituting one year of qualifying full-time experience for each year (30 semester hours) of required education.
Some positions in this class may require a valid driver’s license.
Travel may be required, and employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state, local, and federal agencies, private enterprise, other political subdivisions, and the public.
Demonstrate sound judgment and strong communication skills.
Provide accurate written documentation in a timely manner.
Prioritize work and perform under pressure.
Work independently.
Demonstrate integrity and a strong work ethic.
Use independent judgment to make sound decisions.
Complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

The department encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and parents who were in the DHS system to apply.

Responsibilities

Assist with facilitating interactions between children and their parents.
Supervise interactions as directed by the assigned case manager.
Transport children and parents to appointments so they can access needed services.
Provide support to placements to increase stability and resolve barriers.
Meet with families who have given notice or are contemplating giving notice and help resolve problems as they arise.
Assist with Family Finding efforts, including helping locate relatives for placement.
Audit cases to help ensure required information is included in case files.
Assist staff with other casework-related activities as requested.
Organize and maintain files and maintain confidentiality.
Coordinate services and resources tailored to each family’s needs.
Monitor family progress and support permanency planning.
Advocate for families by collaborating with service providers and legal partners.
Help address underlying issues and promote reunification whenever possible.

Benefits

Health insurance coverage.
Dental insurance coverage.
Vision coverage.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Retirement plans, including IPERS and the Retirement Investors Club; the State matches Retirement Investors Club contributions dollar for dollar up to $75 per month.
Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
Life insurance.
Free long-term disability insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee discount programs.