Child Protection Worker

Child Protection Worker

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Child Protection Worker

Salary

$54,350.40 - $81,972.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50310 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02437

Agency

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

Division

Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection.

Opening Date

06/17/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 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 & Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is hiring a Child Protection Worker (CPW) for the Des Moines Service Area (based out of the Polk County HHS office, 2309 Euclid Ave, Des Moines IA 50310) covering Des Moines 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

• Communicate 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

Terms of Employment

• Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

• Must be available to work or remain on-call during evenings, weekends and occasional holidays as part of a rotating schedule

• Telework may be an option upon successful completion of the six-month probationary period

• Mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to Iowa State Accounting Procedures

• Valid driver’s license is required

• Background Checks- Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this 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 benefitsclick 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 college or university with a Bachelor's degree and the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;

OR

graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in social work and the equivalent of two 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;

OR

an 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 the equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Social Worker 2 shall be considered as qualified.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

For designated positions in case management, the appointing authority may request those applicants possessing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or at least 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the behavioral sciences, education, health care, human services administration, or social sciences and the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience in the delivery of human services in the combination of: chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities as a Targeted (Medicaid) Case Manager;

OR

an Iowa license to practice as a registered nurse and the equivalent of three years of full-time nursing or human services experience with the above population groups.

Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable course work, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.

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

• Not applicable - I have not COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

• No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas

• One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas

• Two years to less than three years of work experience in the identified areas

• Three years or more of work experience in the identified areas

04

Have you COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university?IF YES- How many years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency do you have?

• No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas

• One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas

• Two years or more of work experience in the identified areas

• Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

05

Do you have a Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university?

• Yes

• No

06

PLEASE READ ALL PARTS OF THIS QUESTION - Have you completed a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university?IF YES- Do you have three years of a combination of GRADUATE (post bachelor's degree) education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university AND qualifying experience in a social work capacity?

NOTE 1:Applicants must have a MINIMUM of two years of the required experience.

Note 2:A maximum of thirty semester hours in the specified area of graduate study can substitute for one year of experience.IF YESDo you have at least two years of experience in a social work capacity AND a combination of ONE year of the following: one year of additional work experience in a social work capacity (not used to count for the first portion of the question) OR GRADUATE (post bachelor's degree) education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university? 30 semester hours of the GRADUATE LEVEL courses equals one year of experience.

• Yes

• No

07

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many years of work experience do you have in the classification of Social Worker 2?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa Employee

• No experience in the classification of Social Worker 2

• Less than one year of experience in the classification of Social Worker 2

• One or more years of work experience in the classification of Social Worker 2

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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