Social Work Supervisor

Social Work Supervisor

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Social Work Supervisor

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50310 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03445

Agency

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

Division

Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection.

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/2/2026 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 Social Work Supervisor to join our team!

This position will be domiciled (work location) in Des Moines and will provide services in that and surrounding counties.

Do you have experience/education in Social Work; Social/Human/Community Services; Case Management; or experience closely related to these fields? If so, this is a great opportunity! Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has a current opening for a team member in the Family and Child Well-Being Division. HHS is responsible for working with families who have experienced abuse and neglect. You play a key role in preparing and supporting children and families to be successful. You will also assist families in realizing their full potential by working with them as experts, case planning with team members, and the courts, and connecting families to community resources.

HHS, Family Well-Being and Protection Division, is seeking Child Protection Supervisors (Social Work Supervisors) to plan, direct and supervise a unit of social workers who conduct child abuse assessments and/or provide child welfare services. This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday with typical hours being from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM with extra hours as needed including after-hours and weekend on call rotation. These positions require an in-office presence to your assigned location and travel to various other offices within the Service Area to meet with staff, attend court hearings and meet with clients and families as needed. Mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Accounting Enterprise Procedures. A valid driver’s license is required; however, you may request to reserve a state vehicle if available.

Daily responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Coordination and implementation of goals and objectives to achieve desired outcomes

• Clinical supervision around case outcomes to assure the safety of children

• Communicating and adhering to current policy and procedure affecting the work

• Assignment work to ensure efficiency in service delivery and equitable workload and approve travel claims, payroll, leave requests and other personnel functions

• Assigning and monitoring all work schedules, manage overtime allocations, and providing input to administration

• General supervision around job duties and performance through regularly scheduled individual supervisory conferences

• Training all new employees and providing regular performance evaluations to all staff at least annually

• Reviewing and approving all legal documents prior to their submission and assuring staff maintain compliance with Iowa Code

• Conducting case record reviews to ensure compliance and quality Reviewing worker written work, computer documents, and various other documents to ensure accuracy and timeliness

• Use of various forms of technological resources to monitor, track, approve and direct work flow Conducting regular unit meetings

• Responding to customer and employee inquiries and concerns in a timely manner to assure that issues are resolved

• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with collaterals and maintaining a working knowledge of community resources

• On a rotating basis, be available to all staff after hours and on-call as needed providing case consultation, crisis resolution, and approval of emergency removals.

The ideal candidate will be able to meet the following requirements:

• Within an office environment, provides support to large segment of agency through managing internal and external requests for information and legislative reviews requiring comprehension of request, independent judgment to assign and adherence to agency formatting of timely response or communication

• Knowledge of the principles of supervision, including delegation of work, training of subordinates, performance evaluation, discipline, and hiring

• Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques

• Obtains information from a wide variety of sources, including written materials, telephone conversations and through computer databases and to be able to read and interpret the data. Ability and knowledge of Word, Excel, and the Internet

• Applies essential elements of management and administration in assigned office. Recognizes and defines problems, gathers facts using problem-solving tools, develops practical solutions, analyzes each potential solution, compares the outcome of each solution, and select the best solution to solve the problem

• Effectively communicates orally by expressing ideas and facts to individuals or groups

• Makes clear and convincing oral presentations

• Listens to others

• Facilitates an open exchange of ideas

• Build, foster and maintain partnerships at a variety of levels

• Applies innovative solutions to problems

• Designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable

• Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information by prioritizing, organizing and maintains information to meet completion deadlines

• Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain reasonable facts, data, or other information that analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions

• Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest, or unethical behavior

• Maintains regular attendance at work and report to work on time. Field Operations processes contain critical time frames and excessive absenteeism impacts the meeting of the time frames, which negatively impacts customer satisfaction

• Responds appropriately to supervision. Follows policy and cooperates with supervisors

• Coordinates and oversees office budget and budget control mechanism. Plans, administers, and monitors expenditures to ensure cost-effective support of programs and policies

• Works in a team environment. The ability to manage group processes

• Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity, fosters commitment and team spirit

• Works with others to achieve goals

• Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (For example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations)

• Communicates effectively in writing as well as orally to express ideas and facts to individuals or groups. Actively listens to facilitate the exchange of information to provide positive and professional customer service both within the agency and in the community

• Ability to travel, which will involve some overnight travel

• Ability to work extra hours as needed to get tasks completed.

Preference will be given to the ability to speak more than one language. Please list any additional languages you speak in your application.

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 and experience equal to four years of full-time work in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;

OR

professional experience in a social work capacity may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one year of qualifying experience for each thirty semester hours of education;

OR

a Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited four year college or university and experience equal to three years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;

OR

a Master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university and experience equal to one year of full-time work in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;

OR

any equivalent combination of graduate education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university and qualifying experience up to a maximum of thirty semester hours for one year of the required experience;

OR

employees withcurrentcontinuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 24 months of full-time work as a Social Worker 2, or 12 months as a Social Worker 3/4 or Social Work Supervisor 1 or any combination of the above equaling 24 months shall be considered as qualified.

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

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 an accredited four year college?IF YES- How many years do you have of full-time work experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency?

• Not applicable – I do not have a degree

• No full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Less than two years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Two years to less than three years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Three years to less than four years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Four or more years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

04

How many years do you have of combined post high school education and/or full-time work experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency? One year of full-time work experience equals 30 semester hours

• I do not have any of the identified education or experience

• Less than two years of the combined post high school education and/or full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Two years to less than four years of combined post high school education and/or full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Four years to less than six years of combined post high school education and/or full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Six years to less than eight years of combined post high school education and/or full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Eight or more years of combined post high school education and/or full-time work experience in a social work capacity

05

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited four year college or university?IF YES- How many years do you have of full-time work experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency?

• Not applicable – I do not have a degree in social work

• No full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Less than one year of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• One year to less than two years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Two years to less than three years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

• Three or more years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity

06

Do you have a Master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university?IF YES- Do you have one or more years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency?

• Not applicable – I do not have a Master's degree in social work

• Yes

• No

07

How many years do you have of combined GRADUATE level education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university and/or full-time work in a social work capacity in a public or private agency? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience. Applicants may substitute a total maximum of one year (30 semester hours) of graduate education for the experience and must have a minimum of three years of the required experience.

• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience

• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience

• Four years or more of the combined education and/or experience

08

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES – Do you have?

• 24 months or more of full-time work in the classification of Social Worker 2OR

• 12 months or more of full-time work in the classification of Social Worker 3/4 and/or Social Work Supervisor 1OR

• 24 months or more of combined experience in the classifications of Social Worker 2/3/4 and/or Social Work Supervisor 1

• Not applicable – I am not a State of Iowa employee

• Yes

• No

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

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