Child Protection Worker

State of Iowa•Des Moines - 50310 - Polk County, IA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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! This position will be domiciled in one of the offices in the Des Moines Service Area and will cover that and surrounding counties. This group contains the following offices: Polk County HHS (2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310). As a Child Protection Worker, you’ll play a vital role in supporting children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. This position offers a unique opportunity to be a steady, compassionate presence—someone who listens, advocates, and helps guide families toward healing and hope. In this role, you’ll work closely with children and families to assess safety and well-being, be a voice for children who may not be able to speak for themselves, collaborate with caregivers and community partners to build safer, healthier homes, provide thoughtful interventions and support during times of crisis, and help families navigate challenges and access resources that promote long-term stability. Every case you take on is a chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact—often at a pivotal moment in a family’s life. With empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to child welfare, you’ll help foster resilience and inspire brighter futures. If you’re someone who believes in the power of compassion and the importance of advocacy, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

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 with current continuous 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.
Communicate with families through engagement and advocacy
Crisis Management
Oral and written communication skills
Observational, critical thinking and analytical skills
Prioritization and time management
Valid driver’s license is required
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Conduct risk and safety assessments for children in potentially unsafe environments.
Perform home visits and interviews; document findings with clarity and accuracy
Support families in crisis, helping to resolve issues and promote child well-being
Gather and evaluate information, apply Iowa Code and agency policies to determine appropriate case outcomes
Apply analytical reasoning to complex casework
Gather and evaluate information to determine appropriate case outcomes
Attend court hearings and testify as required
Collaborate with community partners to coordinate services and resources
Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards
Adapt to changing situations, schedules, and priorities with professionalism and resilience