Child Protection Worker

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! 

Do you enjoy working with children and families? If so, this is a great opportunity! Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has a current opening for a team member in the Family and Child Well-Being Division. HHS is responsible for working with families who have experienced abuse and neglect. Child Protective Workers conduct assessments of allegations of abuse or neglect of vulnerable children. These vital frontline positions require multi-tasking and the ability to gather physical and documentary evidence and analyze information with accuracy and efficiency to assist in protecting the most vulnerable Iowans. 

This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday with typical hours being from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM with paid overtime as needed including after-hours and weekend on call rotation. All paid overtime must be pre-approved by leadership. These positions require an in-office presence to your assigned location with a probationary period of six months. Upon successful completion of probation, you will be eligible for a pay increase and again 12 months later. Some flexibility in schedule is allowed with supervisory approval. Overtime may be required based on business need and position will require working some evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

Telework may be an option upon successful completion of the training period and will travel on a regular basis to conduct the assessments of allegations within the assigned counties. Mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Accounting Enterprise Procedures. A valid driver’s license is required. 

This position will be domiciled (work location) in Pottawattamiew County. Telework may be an option for this position if requested by the employee and approved by management. but the position is based in the assigned county and will serve clients in that and surrounding counties. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Assess the ongoing risk to children, develop safety plans, assess the strengths, and needs of the child and family, and make recommendations to various county attorneys and courts.
   
• Frequent interaction with law enforcement, medical/mental health community partners, schools, etc.
   
• This position requires the ability to apply Iowa Code, agency policy, and sound professional judgment to highly complex situations involving crises and or chronic abuse or neglect
   
• All cases assigned to persons in this position require home visits, detailed interviews, and thorough narrative documentation
   
• Troubleshoots problematic situations to find innovative solutions to present to administration and the supervisor. Confronts crisis situations and high stress situations in a calm and orderly manner. Maintaining confidential information as required by the agency and assuring safety is a top priority for all in the office
   
• Obtain information from a wide variety of sources, including written materials, telephone conversations and through computer databases and to be able to read and interpret the data
   
• Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain reasonable facts, data, or other information that analyzes information and draws accurate conclusions
   
• Interacts in a team environment to manage group processes, facilitates, and encourages cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity, fosters commitment and team spirit
   
• works with others to achieve goals
   
• Within an office environment, provides Division support to large segment of agency through managing internal and external requests for information and legislative reviews requiring comprehension of request, independent judgment and adherence to agency formatting of timely response or communication. 
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• Interact with employees and customers in a positive customer service manner to resolve problems and answer customer inquiries. Customer contacts may include correspondence, telephone, or walk-ins to the local office

• This position will be required to work or be on standby during nights and weekends on a rotational basis. 

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong observational and analytical skills, as well the ability to respectfully engage families as partners in planning for safety and establish a working relationship with families
• Excellent judgment and communication skills and the ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner
• The ability to develop case plans, use critical thinking skills, prioritize work and work under pressure
• The ability to use independent judgement to make sound decisions, demonstrate integrity and confidentiality and a strong work ethic. 
• To ensure the Service Area is providing the best service to the residents of Iowa, applicants should demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, integrity, and a strong work ethic. 
• Preference will be given to the ability to speak more than one language. Please list any additional languages you speak in your application. 
• Preference will be given for education or experience which correlates directly with the requirements and duties of the position.

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 here to 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.