Child Protection Worker

State of Iowa; Indianola (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Telework after probation

Health benefits

Job summary

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks a Child Protection Worker for the Des Moines Service Area, based in Warren County Indianola. The role supports children and families, with regular hours 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Friday, and on-call evenings/weekends. Telework may be available after six months' probation.

Responsibilities include risk assessments, home visits, court involvement, and coordination with partners to promote child safety and family well-being.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field and 3 years of relevant full-time experience.
• Bachelor’s in social work with 2+ years of related work in human services or criminal justice.
• Master’s degree in a related field as specified.
• State-specific experience pathways for social work roles in IDHS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk and safety assessments for children in potentially unsafe environments.
• Perform home visits and interviews, document findings clearly and accurately.
• Support families in crisis, helping resolve issues and promote well-being.
• Apply Iowa Code and agency policies to determine appropriate case outcomes.
• Attend court hearings and testify as required.
• Collaborate with community partners to coordinate services and resources.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
• Adapt to changing schedules and priorities with professionalism.

Skills

Engagement with families

Crisis management

Oral and written communication

Observational and analytical skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree + 3 years human services experience

Bachelor's degree in Social Work + 2 years experience

Master’s degree in human services/social work/criminal justice

Advanced education/experience combination as defined by state rules

Job description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being & Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is hiring a Child Protection Worker (CPW) for the Des Moines Service Area based out of the Warren County HHS (111 N. Buxton Street, Indianola, IA 50125) covering Indianola and surrounding areas.

Position Details

• Full-time Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
• On-call rotation: evenings, weekends, some holidays
• Telework may be available after a 6-month probation
• Mileage reimbursement: $0.50/mile
• Valid driver’s license required
• Background check required

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

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

Responsibilities

• 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
• Gather and evaluate information to determine appropriate case outcomes
• 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

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 benefitsclick 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 visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in a human services, social work, or criminal justice capacity in a public or private agency.

2. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social work, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in a human services, social work, or criminal justice capacity in a public or private agency.

3. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in human services, social work, criminal justice, or a related field.

4. All of the following (a and b):

   1. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in a human services, social work or criminal justice capacity in a public or private agency, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in human services, social work, criminal justice, or a related field equals one year of full-time experience; and

   2. A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in human services, social work, criminal justice, or a related field equals one year of full-time experience.

5. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Social Worker.

Social Worker Senior (03016/23016) | Iowa Department of Administrative Services