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Foster Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Foster information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$20

$42

How much do foster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for foster 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 shelter to children who have been removed from their biological families due to safety concerns or other issues. They play a crucial role in offering a safe, stable, and nurturing environment while social services work towards reunification with the child's family or finding a permanent home. Foster parents are trained and supported by child welfare agencies and must meet specific requirements to ensure a child's well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by foster care caseworkers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Foster care caseworkers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex family dynamics, managing heavy caseloads, and addressing the emotional needs of both children and foster families. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and access to professional support resources are key to overcoming these hurdles. Building trusting relationships with foster families and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as therapists and educators, can also help ensure the well-being of children in the system.

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 compassionate understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and often must meet state licensing requirements. Familiarity with case management systems, training in CPR/first aid, and ongoing educational courses are typically necessary. Patience, resilience, strong communication, and the ability to build trust make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and growth for children in care.

What is the difference between Foster vs Child Care Worker?

AspectFosterChild Care Worker
CredentialsFoster parents typically need training and licensing, but not formal certificationsChild care workers often require certifications or training in early childhood education
Work EnvironmentFoster homes or agencies, providing long-term care in a family settingChild care centers, daycare facilities, or residential settings, providing daily care
Employer & IndustryFoster care agencies, government programs, non-profitsChild care centers, preschools, or private homes

Foster care involves providing a safe, nurturing environment for children in need, often through licensed agencies or homes. Child care workers focus on supervising and caring for children in educational or daycare settings. While both roles support children's well-being, foster care emphasizes long-term placement and emotional support, whereas child care workers typically provide daily supervision and early education.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Foster jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Foster job openings:

Infographic showing various Foster job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,424 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Licensing Caseworker - Foster Care and Adoption

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Lutheran Services in Iowa
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Lutheran Services in Iowaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

***THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SIGN-ON BONUS!***
Are you looking for a career where you can make a positive impact in the lives of others? At LSI, your journey is our passion! LSI Foster Care & Adoption is seeking a full-time Licensing Caseworker to serve the Council Bluffs and surrounding counties. This position requires travel and working from home/remote flexibility.
What We Do
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 a wide range of programs including child welfare, behavioral health, refugee and immigrant services, services for people with disabilities, and support for older adults. By meeting people where they are and honoring the dignity and potential of every individual, LSI works to create hope, opportunity, and lasting positive change throughout the state.
What You'll Do
The Licensing Caseworker is responsible for completing the initial licensing or approval home study process for prospective foster, adoption and kinship care families. The Licensing caseworker will support prospective families through the pre-service training, home study process, writing, and submitting the home study packet.
The worker in this position is responsible for working with families to complete assigned home studies for resource families (foster adoptive and kinship) within project timelines.
The position requires the individual to become very familiar with all licensing rules and adoption rules through the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Administrative Code. The position requires some flexibility in scheduling appointments and may require the caseworker to work occasional evening and/or weekend hours to meet the needs of the families served.
What You'll Need
Qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related human services field and a minimum of one year experience within the child welfare field (bachelor's degree in education with 1 year of experience can be considered). Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply!
The Licensing caseworker position requires an individual who is well organized and has the ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written. The applicant should also possess the skills, energy, and desire to complete initial home studies to potential foster/adoptive families.
The position requires an individual who enjoys positively promoting foster care, kinship care and adoption, working with staff and leaders, and helping to recruit and license foster and adoptive families. The individual must be able to collaborate with others, have good time management skills, and have a desire to form strong and positive relationships with child welfare professionals, staff, stakeholders, and clients.
How We'll Support You
On top of joining the best team around, you can also receive:
- A competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits
- A flexible schedule
- A 401(k)
- Generous paid time off
- Health, dental, life, and vision insurance
- Career-building opportunities
- Special Team LSI perks like pet insurance, and cell phone discounts through Verizon
Who We Are
LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment at
This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a good driving record and the ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.

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