Child Protection Worker

Join Us in Making a Difference:
Child Protection Worker

Are you passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive? 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
• 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.

Essential skills include:

• Communicate with families through engagement and advocacy
• Crisis management
• Oral and written communication skills
• Observational, critical thinking and analytical skills
• Prioritization and time management

Responsibilities include:

• 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
• 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

Terms of employment include:

• Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Must be available to work or remain on-call during evenings, weekends and occasional holidays as part of a rotating schedule
• Telework may be an option upon successful completion of the six-month probationary period
• Mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to Iowa State Accounting Procedures
• Valid driver's license is required
• Background checks are required to be considered for this position.

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Retirement plans such as IPERS and Retirement Investors Club
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• Insurance coverage, including life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discount programs

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.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. 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.