Foster Care Licensing Worker

Foster Care Licensing Worker

Print (

Apply



Foster Care Licensing Worker

Salary

$49,254.40 - $73,216.00 Annually

Location

State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03078

Agency

400 Health & Human Services - Family Well-Being and Protection

Division

Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection.

Opening Date

06/04/2026

Closing Date

6/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Chris Silberhorn - View email address on click.appcast.io

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being and Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is seeking a Foster Care Licensing Worker (Social Worker 2) to join our team!

This position will be located in one of the full-time offices in the Norther Iowa Service Area (Waterloo, Allison, Mason City, Adel, Charles City, Webster City, Marshalltown, Ames, or Ft. Dodge).

This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday with typical hours being from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM with paid overtime as needed. All paid overtime must be pre-approved by leadership.

The primary purpose for this position is to determine resource home eligibility and for the continued assessment of licensed and approved resource families according to the rules and policies as outlined in the Iowa Health and Human Services (Department) Social Services Manual. Timely, accurate, meticulous documentation, reliability and organization is extremely crucial for this position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure licensing and other activities are in compliance with HHS policies and procedures, State of Iowa Code and administrative rules and Federal rules and regulations

• Determine compliance with licensing/approval requirements at the time of initial application, renewal, changes and throughout the licensing period

• Issuance of the Notice of Action, Notice of Decision, and Foster Care License when the home is in compliance

• Process denial, suspension or revocation of the license when serious non-compliance issues exist

• Represent the Department at Licensing Appeal Hearings

• Participate in local Record Check Committee as needed

• Serve as the licensing resource to Department staff, foster care recruitment and retention contractor, and the community regarding foster care inquiries

• Assess and complete Variance Requests as needed

• Assess and process Waivers of Pre-service Training or Non Safety Licensing Standards

• Maintain current listing of renewal dates for resource families and track timeliness of renewal

• Prepare information and participate in State and Federal Audits

• Develop and implement corrective action plans to resolve compliance issues

• Participate in ongoing training and workgroups relating to the licensing and approval processes as requested

• Participate and collaborate with peers and stakeholders and attend regular local, statewide and external meetings as required.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong observational and analytical skills, as well the ability to respectfully engage families as partners in planning for safety and establish a working relationship with families

• Excellent judgment and communication skills and the ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner

• The ability to use critical thinking skills, prioritize work and work under pressure

• The ability to use independent judgement to make sound decisions, demonstrate integrity and confidentiality and a strong work ethic.

To ensure the Service Area is providing the best service to the residents of Iowa, applicants should demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, integrity, and a strong work ethic.

Preference will be given for education or experience which correlates directly with the requirements and duties of the position.

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.

Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university;

OR

the equivalent of four years of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time qualifying work experience for one year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description ( .

Additional Qualification Requirements

Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Chauffeurs License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator ( .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS ( .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here ( to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.

• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from a four-year college or university?

• Yes

• No

04

How many years do you have of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems?

• No work experience in the specified area

• Less than one year of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• One year to less than two years of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• Two years to less than three years of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• Three years to less than four years of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• Four years or more of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

05

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems? 30 semester hours equals one year of the full-time work experience.

• Not applicable - None of the specified education and work experience

• Less than one year of the combined specified education and full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• One year to less than two years of the combined specified education and full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• Two years to less than three years of the combined specified education and full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• Three years to less than four years of the combined specified education and full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

• Four years or more of the combined specified education and full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

400 Health & Human Services - Family Well-Being and Protection

Address

Lucas State Office Building

321 E. 12th Street

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

Apply

Please verify your email addressVerify Email