Licensing Caseworker

Lutheran Services In Iowa Inc; Spencer (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer matching

Generous PTO and holidays

Flexible scheduling

Mileage reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Professional development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) in Spencer is seeking a full-time Licensing Caseworker to guide prospective foster, adoptive, and kinship families through licensing and home study processes. You will coordinate pre-service training, prepare home study packets, and ensure timely completion of cases while navigating licensing rules and state regulations.

Travel is required and mileage reimbursement is provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related human services field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in child welfare.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support prospective families through pre-service training, home study process, and writing/submitting the home study packet.
• Complete assigned home studies for resource families (foster/adoptive/kinship) within project timelines.
• Become familiar with licensing and adoption rules per DHHS and Iowa Administrative Code; may require evening/weekend hours.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area and collaborate with staff and stakeholders.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in social work or 1+

Child welfare experience

Bilingual encouraged

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related human services

Job description

***THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SIGN-ON BONUS!***

LSI Foster Care & Adoption is seeking a full-time Licensing Caseworker to serve counties in and around the Spencer area, including Clay and others as assigned.

In this role, you will support prospective foster, adoptive, and kinship families through the initial licensing and/or home study process, helping them navigate the requirements to become licensed caregivers.

This position requires travel throughout the service area as needed. LSI provides access to an agency vehicle when appropriate and offers competitive mileage reimbursement for approved travel.

What You'll Do

The Licensing caseworker will support prospective families through the pre-service training, home study process, writing, and submitting the home study packet.

The worker in this position is responsible for working with families to complete assigned home studies for resource families (foster adoptive and kinship) within project timelines.

The position requires the individual to become very familiar with all licensing rules and adoption rules through the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Administrative Code. The position requires some flexibility in scheduling appointments and may require the caseworker to work occasional evening and/or weekend hours to meet the needs of the families served.

What You'll Need

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related human services field and a minimum of one year experience within the child welfare field (bachelor's degree in education with 1 year of experience can be considered). Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply!

The Licensing caseworker position requires an individual who is well organized and has the ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written. The applicant should also possess the skills, energy, and desire to complete initial home studies to potential foster/adoptive families.

The position requires an individual who enjoys positively promoting foster care, kinship care and adoption, working with staff and leaders, and helping to recruit and license foster and adoptive families. The individual must be able to collaborate with others, have good time management skills, and have a desire to form strong and positive relationships with child welfare professionals, staff, stakeholders, and clients.

How We'll Support You

In addition to joining an outstanding team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer matching contributions
• Generous paid time off accrual, paid holidays and flex holidays
• Flexible scheduling opportunities for many positions
• Mileage reimbursement
• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Exclusive Team LSI benefits, including complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, Nationwide Pet Insurance, Rainy Day Pal support, partnerships with Dupaco Credit Union, DailyPay advanced pay services, and more
• As a nonprofit organization, LSI employees may also be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other student loan repayment assistance 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 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.