Licensing Caseworker - Foster Care and Adoption (Cass and Surrounding Counties)

Lutheran Services in Iowa•Council Bluffs, IA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Licensing Caseworker is responsible for completing the initial licensing or approval home study process for prospective foster, adoption and kinship care families. The Licensing caseworker will support prospective families through the pre-service training, home study process, writing, and submitting the home study packet. The worker in this position is responsible for working with families to complete assigned home studies for resource families (foster adoptive and kinship) within project timelines. The position requires the individual to become very familiar with all licensing rules and adoption rules through the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Administrative Code. The position requires some flexibility in scheduling appointments and may require the caseworker to work occasional evening and/or weekend hours to meet the needs of the families served.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work or a related human services field.
Minimum of one year experience within the child welfare field (bachelor's degree in education with 1 year of experience can be considered).
Well organized.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written.
Skills, energy, and desire to complete initial home studies to potential foster/adoptive families.
Ability to collaborate with others.
Good time management skills.
Desire to form strong and positive relationships with child welfare professionals, staff, stakeholders, and clients.
Valid driver's license.
Auto insurance.
Good driving record.
Ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Completing the initial licensing or approval home study process for prospective foster, adoption and kinship care families.
Supporting prospective families through the pre-service training, home study process, writing, and submitting the home study packet.
Working with families to complete assigned home studies for resource families (foster adoptive and kinship) within project timelines.
Becoming very familiar with all licensing rules and adoption rules through the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Administrative Code.
Positively promoting foster care, kinship care and adoption.
Working with staff and leaders.
Helping to recruit and license foster and adoptive families.