Child Protection Worker

About the role

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 Northern Iowa Service Area based out of the Story County HHS (126 Kellogg Ave., #101, Ames, IA 50010) covering Ames and surrounding areas. 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, and 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.

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.
• 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.

Essential Skills

• Communicating with families through engagement and advocacy
• Crisis Management
• Oral and written communication skills
• Observational, critical thinking and analytical skills
• Prioritization and time management

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 with current continuous 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 designated case‑management positions: a Bachelor's degree with a major or at least 30 semester hours in the behavioral sciences, education, health care, human services administration, or social sciences plus 12 months of full‑time experience