1

Director Social Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Under supervision by the PACE Program Manager, provides direct social work ... a working knowledge of applicable PACE Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, the ...

Under supervision by the PACE Program Manager, provides direct social work services to participants ... a working knowledge of applicable PACE Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, the ...

Social Worker

Tama, IA · On-site

$57.12K - $83.24K/yr

JOB TITLE: Social Worker DEPARTMENT: Family Services DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide ... SUPERVISION: - Direct supervision by the Family Services Director SALARY LEVEL: - 40 hours per week ...

Social Worker

Tama, IA · On-site

$57.12K - $83.24K/yr

JOB TITLE: Social Worker DEPARTMENT: Family Services DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide ... SUPERVISION: - Direct supervision by the Family Services Director SALARY LEVEL: - 40 hours per week ...

As a School Social Worker supporting Special Education Therapeutic Classrooms, you will play a ... Direct responsibility for the safety, well-being, and work output of student. Special Qualification ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Social Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$49.3K

$87.4K

$136.7K

How much do director social worker jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director social worker in Iowa is $87,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Social Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Social Worker, you need advanced knowledge of social work practices, a master's degree in social work (MSW), and licensure such as LCSW or equivalent. Familiarity with case management software, compliance regulations, and supervisory tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills enable effective team management and client advocacy. These competencies are crucial to ensure quality care delivery, regulatory compliance, and the smooth operation of social work departments.

How does a Director Social Worker typically collaborate with other departments within a healthcare facility?

A Director Social Worker frequently works alongside medical, nursing, and administrative teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients and ensure their social and emotional needs are integrated into treatment. This collaboration often includes participating in interdisciplinary meetings, coordinating discharge planning, and facilitating communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. The role also involves overseeing the social work staff and ensuring that departmental goals align with the broader objectives of the facility.

What is a Director Social Worker?

A Director Social Worker is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing social work programs and staff within an organization, such as a hospital, social service agency, or community organization. They develop and implement policies, manage budgets, supervise social workers, and ensure that services meet regulatory and ethical standards. Additionally, Director Social Workers often collaborate with other healthcare or service professionals to improve client outcomes and may be involved in strategic planning. Their role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as significant experience in social work practice and management.

What is the difference between Director Social Worker vs Clinical Social Worker?

AspectDirector Social WorkerClinical Social Worker
CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), LCSW license, leadership experienceMaster's in Social Work (MSW), LCSW license, clinical training
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, overseeing programs, managing staffClinical settings, providing therapy, conducting assessments
Employer & IndustryHospitals, government agencies, non-profitsHospitals, mental health clinics, private practices
Search & Comparison IntentLeadership roles, management, program oversightDirect patient care, therapy, clinical assessments

While both roles require an MSW and LCSW license, the Director Social Worker focuses on leadership, program management, and administrative duties. In contrast, the Clinical Social Worker primarily provides direct clinical services and therapy to clients. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Worker jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Social Worker jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Social Worker jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Social Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Social Worker job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,378 per year, or $42 per hour.
Social Worker MSW

Social Worker MSW

UnityPoint Health

Hiawatha, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 350 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

326th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
UnityPoint Clinic
Social Worker MSW
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM
Hiawatha, IA
Full Time + Benefits
$5,000 Sign On Bonus, if external
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.
With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Under supervision by the PACE Program Manager, provides direct social work services to participants in PACE including; participant/family counseling, networking of available resources, and communicating with other PACE Interdisciplinary Team members as well as community and contracted health care providers. Serves as an advocate for participants and families. Adheres to Standards of care and the mission and philosophy of PACE in all aspects of job performance.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable PACE Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, the Compliance Accountability Program, Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures in order to assure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
• Conducts comprehensive, psychosocial assessments on prospective and current program participants per regulatory guidelines and PACE policies.
• Completes routine home or PACE center visits with participants and as needed.
• Consults with, and maintains a cooperative, professional relationship with family, contracted health care providers and/or support systems as needed.
• Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team and maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, IDT Team meetings; collaborates on care planning and service delivery requests.
• Reviews social service interventions on the participant's plan of care and revises as appropriate.
• Assists families with problem solving around care giving issues and serves as the facilitator of family meetings when scheduled.
• Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and supportive counseling to participants and families for assigned caseload and other participants when needed.
• Coordinates admissions to assisted living and nursing facilities and discharge planning for participants returning home from hospitals or nursing facility in conjunction with the IDT Team as needed.
• Assists participants with housing, money management/financial issues as needed.
• Maintains current, well-organized records in accordance with social work and PACE documentation policies.
• Develops knowledge of community networks and resources for elderly of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and forms collaborative relationships with same. Provides information to participants to assist in establishing and maintaining community links.
• Advocates on behalf of participants for benefits and services through government and community agencies.
• Assists participants in completing advance directives, advance planning, and guardianship paperwork.
• Provides bereavement follow up as needed
• Provides coverage for other social workers when needed.
• Participates in agency committees when assigned.
• Adheres to PACE Participant Rights Policy and maintains professional contact with participants, families, and other health care providers at all times.
• Adheres to privacy and confidentiality policies regarding sensitive participant, employee and agency information.
• Attends conferences and seminars to maintain State Social Work licensure, and to stay informed of developing trends in geriatric social work practice.
• Promotes an environment of teamwork.
• Responds to participant/family needs in a respectful and non-judgemental manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Master's degree in Social Work obtained from an accredited program.
License(s)/Certification(s)
Current State of Iowa Social Work license
Valid driver's license
Valid Auto insurance
Maintain current BLS status
Maintain current Mandatory Adult Abuse Reporter status
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Effective oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with PACE participants, their families, and other health care professionals.
Ability to effectively communicate and work within the Interdisciplinary Team setting.
Strong organizational skills.
Able to manage changing priorities per needs of the program
Use of Microsoft office products.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995