Licensing Caseworker - Foster Care and Adoption

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus.

About the role

LSI Foster Care & Adoption is seeking a full-time Licensing Caseworker to serve the Council Bluffs and surrounding counties. This position requires travel and offers remote work flexibility from home.

About us

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) is a trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities across Iowa. Guided by faith-based values and a commitment to service, LSI provides a wide range of programs including child welfare, behavioral health, refugee and immigrant services, services for people with disabilities, and support for older adults. By meeting people where they are and honoring the dignity and potential of every individual, LSI works to create hope, opportunity, and lasting positive change throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Complete the initial licensing or approval home study process for prospective foster, adoption, and kinship care families.
• Support prospective families through pre-service training, the home study process, writing, and submitting the home study packet.
• Work with families to complete assigned home studies for resource families (foster, adoptive, and kinship) within project timelines.
• Become familiar with all licensing rules and adoption rules through the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Administrative Code.
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling appointments, including occasional evening and/or weekend hours to meet the needs of the families served.
• Positively promote foster care, kinship care, and adoption.
• Collaborate with staff, leaders, and stakeholders to recruit and license foster and adoptive families.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field and a minimum of one year of experience within the child welfare field (bachelor’s degree in education with 1 year of experience may be considered).
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Strong organizational and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others, manage time well, and build strong relationships with professionals, staff, stakeholders, and clients.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a good driving record.
• Ability to pass an extensive background check, including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry, and a criminal history check.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible schedule
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental, life, and vision insurance
• Career-building opportunities
• Special Team LSI perks, such as pet insurance and cell phone discounts through Verizon