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Child Protection Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Child Care Teacher

Pella, IA · On-site

$11.95 - $14.85/hr

... working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred * CDA, Associate, or bachelor ... Know Your Rights , Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA

Assistant Child Care Teacher

Pella, IA · On-site

$11.95 - $14.85/hr

... working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred * CDA, Associate, or bachelor ... Know Your Rights , Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA

Youth Service Worker Weekends

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Imagine being the reason a child smiles again, builds self-confidence, or discovers a new dream. As ... protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other ...

Assistant Child Care Teacher-ISU

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.85 - $17.75/hr

... working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred * CDA, Associate, or bachelor ... Know Your Rights , Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA

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Showing results 21-40

Child Protection Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$15

$28

How much do child protection worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for child protection worker in Iowa is $15.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child protection worker?

Child protection workers are professionals who investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation and work to ensure the safety and well-being of children. They assess family situations, provide support services to families, and, when necessary, arrange for alternative care such as foster homes. Their goal is to protect vulnerable children and help families resolve issues so that children can remain safely in their homes whenever possible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child protection worker?

To thrive as a Child Protection Worker, you need a degree in social work or a related field, strong knowledge of child welfare laws, and experience in risk assessment and case management. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and, often, state licensure or certification is essential. Excellent communication, empathy, resilience, and crisis intervention skills help build trust with children and families while managing challenging situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring child safety, making sound decisions under pressure, and supporting vulnerable individuals during difficult times.

What are some common challenges faced by child protection workers, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

Child Protection Workers often encounter emotionally charged situations, including working with families in crisis and making difficult decisions about child safety. Managing high caseloads and navigating complex family dynamics are also common challenges. New hires can effectively manage these demands by seeking regular supervision, practicing self-care, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, and staying up to date on best practices and local resources. Building strong communication skills and resilience is key to sustaining long-term success in this impactful role.

What is the difference between Child Protection Worker vs Social Worker?

AspectChild Protection WorkerSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in social work (BSW or MSW)Requires a bachelor's or master's in social work or related field
Work EnvironmentChild welfare agencies, child protective services, foster care settingsHospitals, community agencies, schools, government departments
Employer & IndustryChild welfare organizations, government child protective servicesHealthcare, community services, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping roles in child welfareBroader scope including family and community support

Child Protection Workers focus specifically on safeguarding children from abuse and neglect within child welfare agencies. Social Workers have a broader role, providing support across various settings including mental health, healthcare, and community services. While both roles require similar credentials, Child Protection Workers specialize in child safety and protective services, whereas Social Workers address a wider range of social issues.

Infographic showing various Child Protection Worker job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,212 per year, or $15 per hour.

Child & Family Services Case Manager

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

$50K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

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 & Family Services Case Manager for the Eastern Iowa Service Area based out of Scott County HHS (600 W 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801) covering Davenport 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 Make a Lasting Impact: Child & Family Services Case Manager Are you someone who believes in the power of connection, healing, and long-term support. As a Child & Family Services Case Manager, you'll walk alongside families after their initial assessments, helping them navigate challenges and build stronger, safer futures together

This role is all about building trust and fostering growth. You'll: Coordinate services and resources tailored to each family's needs Monitor progress and celebrate milestones, big and small Support permanency planning to ensure children have stable, loving homes Advocate for families through collaboration with service providers and legal partners Help address underlying issues and promote reunification whenever possible What makes this work so meaningful is the relationships you build. Unlike short-term or emergency roles, ongoing case management allows you to become a steady, compassionate presence in a family's life-someone they can count on.

You'll be part of their journey, helping shape a future filled with safety, support, and possibility. If you're ready to make a difference that lasts, we'd be honored to have you on our team. Essential Skills Engagement and advocacy Crisis management Oral and written communication skills Observational, critical thinking and analytical skills Prioritization and time management Responsibilities Assess risk and safety factors affecting children and families in a variety of settings Schedule and conduct monthly in-home visits with parents and children Complete timely and accurate documentation, including case notes and court reports Attend court hearings and testify as required Respond to crisis situations with urgency, offering immediate support and stabilizing interventions Collaborate with legal professionals, law enforcement, treatment providers, and other community partners Manage a diverse and dynamic caseload with flexibility and analytical reasoning 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 benefits click here. Click here to 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 1-800-735-2942 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 federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; OR the equivalent of four years of full-time technical work experience involving direct contact with people in overcoming their social, economic, psychological, or health problems; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time qualifying work experience for one year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description

Additional Qualification Requirements Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Chauffeurs License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.


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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939