Adoption and Permanency Support Caseworker

Lutheran Services in Iowa; Spencer (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

401(k)

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Career-building opportunities

Student loan forgiveness programs

Job summary

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) seeks an Adoption & Permanency Support Caseworker to serve children and families within our Foster Care and Adoption program in western Iowa. The role emphasizes stability for children, assessment-based practice, and advocacy across settings.

The position requires traveling to client homes and various community sites, with potential after-hours work. Bachelor's in a related field and at least 1 year in child welfare are preferred, along with strong communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, behavioral sciences or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in child welfare services.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with children and their adoptive, kinship, or sub-guardianship family to assure stability and prevent disruption.
• Coordinate treatment services and advocate for clients; perform case management and crisis interventions.
• Travel to client homes, offices, or community settings, and communicate via telephone as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Assessment skills

Crisis intervention

Case management

Travel to client homes

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

If you're looking for a way you can make a positive change in your community, LSI is looking for you. LSI is seeking an Adoption & Permanency Support Caseworker to provide services to clients and families in our Foster Care and Adoption program.

What We Do

As one of Iowa's most trusted human services agencies, LSI has a legacy of serving children and families for more than 160 years. Our Foster Care and Adoption services empower families and keep kids safe by recruiting, licensing, and supporting foster and adoptive parents in more than 30 western Iowa counties. You can make a direct impact on the lives of the children and families we are privileged to serve.

"LSI is there to build up and encourage families and individuals, so they can experience a healthy life." Dawn, LSI Foster Care and Adoption Service Area Leader

What You'll Do

The Adoption & Permanency Support Caseworker is a specialized role that is responsible to work with children and their adoptive, kinship, or sub-guardianship family to assure stability and prevent disruption. Successful completion of work will require use of assessment and diagnostic skills, varying treatment modalities and behavior interventions, crisis intervention, information and coordination of treatment services (case management), arranging for recreation and respite, other supportive activities, and advocacy.

The Adoption & Permanency Support Caseworker will be expected to complete job responsibilities by traveling by car to client homes, at an office or other community settings, or by telephone. These activities may occur during normal business hours, after hours, or on weekends.

What You'll Need

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, behavioral sciences or a related field and a minimum of 1 year experience in child welfare services. Desired candidates will have strong verbal and written communication skills.

How We'll Support You

• A competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• 401(k)
• A flexible schedule
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental, life, and vision insurance
• Career-building opportunities
• Special Team LSI perks like pet insurance, and cell phone discounts through Verizon
• As a non-profit employer many employees also can qualify for student loan forgiveness programs.

Who We Are

LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at https://lsiowa.org/who-we-are/.

This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a good driving record and the 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.