Child Protection Worker Salary and Job Details
Child Protection Worker Salary: $53,289.60 - $80,371.20 Annually Location: Marshalltown - 50158 - Marshall County, IA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 26-02056 Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Family Well-Being and Protection Division Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection.
Job Opening Details
Opening Date: February 5, 2026 Closing Date: February 15, 2026 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST Point of Contact: Chris Silberhorn - chris.silberhorn@hhs.iowa.gov
Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being and Protection, Child Protective Services is seeking a Child Protection Worker to join our team! This position is located in Marshalltown. 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.
Additional Information
For more information on this and other positions within Child Protective Services, click on the CPS Career Page Link.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors 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 Bachelors 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 Masters 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.
Additional Qualification Requirements
For designated positions in case management, the appointing authority may request those applicants possessing a Bachelors 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.
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. • Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. • 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). • 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!
Disclosure Requirements
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
Foreign Agents Registration Act
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
Education and Experience
Have you COMPLETED a Bachelors 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 Bachelors 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
Have you COMPLETED a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university? IF YES - How many