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Foster Parent Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

COMPASSUS

Hospice Registered Nurse

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Company paid parental leave with tenure for birth, adoption, and foster parents * Voluntary long-term care, critical illness, and accident insurance * Local and national award programs * Referral ...

State of Iowa

Child Protection Worker

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

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.

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Foster Parent information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$20

$42

How much do foster parent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for foster parent in Iowa is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foster parent?

Foster parents are individuals or families who provide temporary care and a safe, nurturing home for children who cannot live with their birth families due to abuse, neglect, or other family crises. They work with child welfare agencies to support the child’s well-being, help them through difficult transitions, and sometimes assist in reunification with the biological family or adoption. Foster parents play a crucial role in offering stability, emotional support, and guidance during a challenging period in a child's life.

What does a foster parent do?

A Foster Parent is an adult who is certified by the state to provide children with a temporary home and family until they can be safely reunited with their biological family or another safe, permanent home is found for them. Foster Parents must be ready to accept the placement of children at any time. Children who are placed in the care of Foster Parents typically come from less-than-ideal situations, so Foster Parents are instrumental in showing children in foster care stability, while helping them heal and putting the best interests of the children first. Requirements and duties vary by state, but most Foster Parents are asked to support the goal of the foster care system, which is the reunification of the foster child with their biological family. As such, Foster Parents may be asked to facilitate family visitations or attend court appearances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foster parent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foster Parent, you need a genuine commitment to child welfare, an understanding of child development, and completion of state-mandated training and licensing requirements. Familiarity with case management systems and the ability to follow legal and agency protocols are typically necessary. Patience, resilience, and strong communication are critical soft skills for building trust and supporting children through challenging transitions. These skills are essential to provide a stable, nurturing environment and collaborate effectively with professionals to support children's well-being.

What kind of ongoing support can foster parents expect from agencies after a child is placed in their care?

Foster parents typically receive ongoing support from their agency, including regular check-ins from caseworkers, access to training, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many agencies also provide support groups, respite care, and guidance on navigating challenges such as behavioral issues or education needs. These resources help foster parents feel supported and prepared, ensuring the best possible environment for the child.

What is the difference between Foster Parent vs Foster Care Case Manager?

AspectFoster ParentFoster Care Case Manager
Required CredentialsBackground check, training, sometimes certificationSocial work degree, licensing, training
Work EnvironmentHome-based, caring for foster childrenOffice and fieldwork, coordinating care
Employer & Industry UsageChild welfare agencies, foster care programsChild welfare agencies, social service organizations

Foster parents provide direct care and a temporary home for foster children, while foster care case managers coordinate services, monitor progress, and support both children and foster families. Both roles are essential in the foster care system but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

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Foster Parent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foster Parent job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,424 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Recruitment & Retention Coordinator

FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDRENS SERVICES

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

What you will do?

As the Recruitment & Retention Coordinator you will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment, of quality foster families who are capable and willing to provide care for children who require foster care and/or adoption.  In addition, this position is also responsible to meet recruitment goals, working with the Service Area Leader and Matching Manager to meet contract deliverables. This position is responsible to work in partnership with the local service area to provide resources and supports in order to retain already licensed foster families.  Specific responsibilities include:

  • Assists in the development of the Service Area's recruitment plan to determine  Service Area wide strategies to license the right families and needed capacity.
  • Implementation of the Service Area's recruitment activities, assuring that they are being carried out as outlined in the recruitment plan, generating interest in the appropriate families and meeting performance-based targets for new families.
  • Attends Service Area R&R Team meetings, with the SAL and report on service area recruitment and retention as per the required format.
  • Submits quarterly reports to SAL summarizing recruitment efforts.
  • Utilizing wide spread recruitment techniques, such as media and social media outreach.
  • Utilizing targeted recruitment to engage families that could provide care for special needs children, a category that included hard to place children.  This includes working in partnership with outside stakeholders and facilitating both virtual and in-person foster care information sessions.
  • Manages the Foster Parent peer Mentor Program. Identifies experienced peer mentors, and matches them with foster parent mentees in need of additional support. Provides oversight of mentors and manages mentor payments.
  • Facilitates orientation sessions for prospective foster parents.

Why Work here?

Four Oaks understands the importance of supporting and treating one another as if they were our own family members.  We believe in maintaining a healthy work/life balance while providing career paths for everyone.  Our organization flourishes in an environment of equal opportunity and fair treatment for all.  The effects of diversity and inclusion have created an atmosphere of positivity which connects us to the customers we serve.  As a valued team member, you are eligible for:

  • Medical, dental & vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement plan
  • Growth & Advancement opportunities
  • Competitive Wages
  • Excellent paid leave time package
  • 7 paid holidays  
  • Business casual work environment

What you need:

You need a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Human Resource Management, Business or a Social Services related field of study along with three years of related experience is preferred.  Knowledge of foster care and adoption systems is preferred. 

Apply