Foster & Adoptive Licensing Caseworker -Dubuque

Four Oaks Family & Children Services•Dubuque, IA

About The Position

Four Oaks is seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Licensing Caseworker to prepare, guide, and support foster and adoptive families through the licensing process and beyond in Buchanan and Delaware Counties, Iowa. The role helps prospective families get started, supports families through licensing and adoption, and contributes to safe, stable placements for children and youth. The position involves frequent travel, including home visits, meetings, training, and support activities; some family visits may take place in the evenings or outside traditional business hours. The caseworker also collaborates with Iowa Health and Human Services, Juvenile Court Services, and other community partners, and maintains accurate documentation and compliance with Iowa licensing standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field.
One year of related experience.
Passion for working with children and families.
Ability to build relationships and help others work through challenges.
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
Professional communication skills and ability to work well with families, coworkers, and community partners.
Ability to complete detailed assessments and documentation while meeting deadlines.
Comfort conducting home visits and traveling throughout assigned counties.
Flexibility to conduct some family visits during evenings or outside traditional business hours.
Willingness to learn and stay current on Iowa foster care licensing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of foster care and adoption systems.

Responsibilities

Connect with prospective foster families, complete initial screenings, and guide them through the licensing process.
Conduct home visits and complete thorough, unbiased home studies to help determine licensing and adoption approval.
Build relationships with foster and adoptive families and provide guidance, encouragement, and resources.
Work with families and community partners to support safe, stable placements for children and youth.
Assist pre-adoptive families through the adoption process.
Assist with placement referrals, assess family strengths, and help identify appropriate family matches.
Assist with training opportunities and provide families with tools and resources.
Collaborate with Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS), Juvenile Court Services (JCS), and other community partners.
Complete home studies, documentation, licensing renewals, and required reports accurately and on time.
Travel throughout Buchanan and Delaware Counties to meet families in their homes, attend meetings, and participate in training and support activities.
Guide resource families through licensing requirements and help them maintain compliance with Iowa standards.