Licensing Caseworker - Foster Care and Adoption (Cass and Surrounding Counties)

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 Cass County and surrounding counties. This position requires travel and offers remote work flexibility.

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 programs including child welfare, behavioral health, refugee and immigrant services, services for people with disabilities, and support for older adults.

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 and adoption rules through the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Administrative Code.
• Schedule appointments flexibly, including occasional evening and/or weekend hours to meet the needs of families served.
• Promote foster care, kinship care, and adoption; recruit and license foster and adoptive families.
• Collaborate with child welfare professionals, staff, stakeholders, and clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field (or a bachelor’s degree in education with 1 year of experience).
• Minimum of one year of experience within the child welfare field.
• 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 criminal history.

Qualifications

• Well-organized with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to complete initial home studies for potential foster/adoptive families.
• Strong time management and collaboration skills.
• Desire to form positive relationships with professionals, staff, stakeholders, and clients.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, life, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Career-building opportunities
• Special perks including pet insurance and cell phone discounts through Verizon