Shelter Liaison

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being and Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services is seeking a Social Work Associate to join our team! 

Do you have experience/education in Social Work; Social/Human/Community Services; Case Management; or experience closely related to these fields? 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 Well-Being and Protection Division. HHS is responsible for working with families who have experienced abuse and neglect. You will play a key role in preparing and supporting children and families to be successful. You will assist professional social workers throughout the assigned Service Area with a wide range of social work responsibilities that supports the provision and delivery of services to the families we work with. 

This is a full-time opportunity. Core hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M; however, flexibility in schedule is allowed with supervisory approval. Overtime may be required based on business need; and the position may require working outside of normal work hours. 

This position will be based in Ottumwa and does require in-office presence with a probationary period of six months. Upon completion of a six-month probationary period, telework may be an option for this position if requested by the employee and approved by management. 

This position will support congregate care providers such as youth shelters, to bridge the needs and enhance communication between all the team members for the children placed in their care. The position will perform duties to assist social workers in the technical and paraprofessional aspects of a wide range of social work responsibilities that supports the provision and delivery of services to clients/families involved with the Department of Health and Human Services. Services may include but are not limited to conducting relative searches, compiling project information, communicating regularly with families face-to-face, by phone or written communication, confidential record keeping, community resource referrals, and assistance in transporting clients to appointments and family interactions. 

The ideal candidate will: 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state, local and federal agencies, private enterprise, other political subdivisions, and the public. 

• Demonstrate excellent judgment and communication skills. 
• Ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner. 
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Demonstrates integrity and a strong work ethic. 
• Ability to use independent judgement to make sound decisions. 

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.

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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).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.