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Social Service Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Social Worker will provide services across the continuum of care, from pre-admission to post ... resources. Assist with necessary referrals to appropriate services. * Crisis Intervention

The Social Worker is responsible for providing basic evaluative, preventive, therapeutic ... resources. Assist with necessary referrals to appropriate services. * Crisis Intervention

The Social Worker is responsible for providing basic evaluative, preventive, therapeutic ... resources. Assist with necessary referrals to appropriate services. * Crisis Intervention

... * Assist with discharge planning, referrals, resources, and coordination of services as appropriate * Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with facility policies and applicable ...

New

Advocate

Spencer, IA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

... and social service organizations to enhance community response to victim services. * Represent the agency at community meetings, outreach events, and collaborative initiatives. * Assist with ...

Advocate

Spencer, IA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

... and social service organizations to enhance community response to victim services. * Represent the agency at community meetings, outreach events, and collaborative initiatives. * Assist with ...

Advocate

Spencer, IA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

... and social service organizations to enhance community response to victim services. * Represent the agency at community meetings, outreach events, and collaborative initiatives. * Assist with ...

... * Assist participants in gathering necessary documentation, such as medical records, to support ... Collaborate with medical and social service providers to gather information and ensure participants ...

Showing results 21-40

Social Service Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$41K

$55.4K

How much do social service assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for social service assistant in Iowa is $41,032.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $48,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social service assistant?

A social service assistant, or human service assistant, works with clients who need public assistance. Their duties include assessing what benefits people need, such as in-home medical care, food stamps, or other forms of social services, and ensuring clients are able to access those benefits. A social service assistant may also perform administrative tasks, including scheduling, monitoring and documenting client progress, and writing departmental reports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social service assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Service Assistant, you need a background in social work or human services, often with an associate’s degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with case management software, basic data entry systems, and client record-keeping tools is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and strong organizational skills help professionals connect with clients and coordinate supportive services effectively. These skills are crucial for ensuring clients receive appropriate assistance and for maintaining accurate case documentation in a supportive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by social service assistants when supporting clients from diverse backgrounds?

Social Service Assistants often work with clients from various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds, which can present challenges in communication and understanding individual needs. It's important to be adaptable and sensitive to cultural differences while maintaining professional boundaries. Building trust and rapport may take additional time, and Social Service Assistants must be resourceful in connecting clients with appropriate community resources. Regular collaboration with social workers and other professionals ensures comprehensive support and helps address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Social Service Assistant vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Service AssistantSocial Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, healthcare facilities, schoolsHospitals, government agencies, private practices
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare, educationHealthcare, social services, government
Job FocusAssisting with client needs, providing support, and coordinating servicesAssessing client needs, developing treatment plans, advocacy

While both roles support individuals and communities, Social Service Assistants typically perform supportive tasks under supervision, whereas Social Workers take on more complex case management and advocacy responsibilities, often requiring advanced degrees and licensure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Service jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Social Service jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Social Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Social Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Service Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,032 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Social Worker

Trinity Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Type:
Full timeShift:
Day Shift
Description:
MercyOne Des Moines
Full-Time (72 hours biweekly)
12 Hour Day Shift
The Social Worker is responsible for providing basic evaluative, preventive, therapeutic, restorative, and personal care services to meet the psychosocial needs of Mercy patients and their families. The goal is to enable patients to better utilize medical care resources and achieve their optimal level of health. This role applies fundamental psychosocial theories and methods to individuals, couples, families, and groups, addressing the complexity of each situation. The Social Worker will provide services across the continuum of care, from pre-admission to post-discharge follow-up, interacting with individuals of various ages and diverse backgrounds.
Essential Functions:
  • Social History & Needs Assessment: Obtain social history information and identify patient needs through interviews with the patient and family, reviewing medical records, consulting with physicians and medical staff, and contacting other relevant sources as needed.
  • Psychosocial Evaluation: Analyze and evaluate the patient's psychosocial situation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the patient's needs.
  • Case Planning & Implementation: Develop individualized psychosocial case plans based on the assessment, in collaboration with the healthcare team. Implement the plan and monitor the patient's progress.
  • Discharge Planning: Coordinate a wide range of discharge planning services. Consult with physicians, medical staff, and patients/families to determine post-hospital needs and create a plan for post-discharge care.
  • Resource Education & Referral: Provide patients and families with information on available resources and strategies for utilizing these resources. Assist with necessary referrals to appropriate services.
  • Crisis Intervention: Demonstrate the ability to prioritize emergency and non-emergency tasks, providing immediate supportive counseling and necessary assistance to patients and families in crisis situations. Refer patients to community resources when appropriate.
  • Psychosocial Counseling & Treatment: Provide psychosocial counseling and treatment services aimed at restoring optimal social and physical health adjustments for patients and families, within their capacity.
  • Community Resource Knowledge: Possess knowledge of public and private welfare and health agencies available to serve the community. Make prompt referrals to appropriate agencies to meet patient needs.
  • Financial Assistance & Insurance Support: Screen patients for financial assistance and help clarify insurance benefits. Support patients and families in coping with economic stresses related to illness or injury.
  • Clinical Consultation: Provide clinical social work consultation to physicians and professional staff through patient evaluations, case conferences, in-service programs, and educational presentations.
  • Community Liaison: Maintain relationships with community health and social service agencies, establishing effective professional connections through personal/telephone contact and correspondence.
  • Documentation: Document all social work activity in the patient's medical record. Maintain records and reports in a timely, accurate, and qualitative manner.
  • Interdepartmental Collaboration: Recognize the role of the social worker in the department and its relationship to the overall function of the hospital in patient care.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work (required).
  • Medical Knowledge: Understanding of medical terminology.
  • Clinical Skills: Proficient in clinical interviewing techniques.
  • Social Work Knowledge: Familiarity with social work principles, standards, and ethics.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Basic understanding of Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as child/dependent adult laws and regulations (desired).
  • Training: Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to the population served, within three (3) months of hire.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US