SOCIAL WORKER

Salary: $72,653.00 Annually
Location : River Place, 2309 Euclid, Des Moines, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 26-1114
Department: Community, Family & Youth Services Department
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PRA
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME/Professional
Salary Grade: 11
Location: River Place

Under general supervision, performs professional social work within a particular County program or service area. This role involves delivering vital services to individuals and families, assisting them with personal, financial, and social challenges, and connecting them with the appropriate resources to improve their quality of life.

Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Offers and provides professional social work support within programs such as adult services, family enrichment, and related programs. Assists clients with challenges involving basic needs, including but not limited to food, shelter, transportation, employment, parenting, child care, and education.
2. Conducts interviews to obtain information about clients' financial resources, family and personal history, educational background, and employment status; evaluates clients in their homes to assess their eligibility for social services programs and develops individualized plans to meet client needs.
3. Connects eligible clients with appropriate County services and coordinates referrals to external social service agencies when additional support is required.
4. Engages with clients to assess the effectiveness of received services and their impact on personal and family development; identifies additional needs and modifies service plans accordingly.
5. Collaborates with representatives from social service and community agencies to share program information and coordinate client services; resolves service-related issues and builds partnerships to enhance program impact.
6. Conducts home visits to assess client needs and living conditions; provides on-site support and guidance to address immediate challenges.
7. Maintains detailed records of services provided to clients, ensuring compliance with legal and program requirements; provides comprehensive reports on client cases and program outcomes.
8. Provides technical assistance to clerical and support staff as needed.
9. Participates in staff meetings, training, and development activities to enhance service delivery and quality.
10. Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic environmental and cultural factors inherent in social work.
• Knowledge of the principles of human growth and behavior.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social casework.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging effectively with clients and service providers.
• Ability to prepare complete and concise case records and progress reports.
• Ability to access client needs through interviews and observation, develop resources plans, and address challenges collaboratively.
• Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing a social service program.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assist and interact effectively with non-English speaking clients utilizing translation devices, interpreters, or the language line.
• Ability to deal effectively with clients, other County employees, and representatives of related community organizations, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives and assess progress toward their achievement.
• Ability to maintain composure under trying circumstances.
• Ability to travel during varying weather conditions throughout the year.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or Sociology, or related, and
• Two years of social work experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Depending on assignment, muti-lingual skills are preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must complete HIPAA compliance training within six months of employment.
  • A criminal background check is required.
  • A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
  • A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
  • Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Salary as of July 1, 2026 is $74,833 annually.
Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.