Abuse Intake Worker
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being and Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services is seeking a Abuse Intake Worker (Social Worker 3) to join our team! Pending graduates are welcome to apply!
Work Hours:
We are currently posting for 1 open position
- Second shift Monday-Friday 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM (the 2nd shift position is entitled to a $0.90/hour shift differential)
This vital frontline position requires the skill to be able to multi-task and the ability to the gather as well as analyze information and concerns in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and efficiency. This is an essential social work position that is gateway to assist in the protection of the most vulnerable Iowans. CSIU is a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week operation. This position will be “domiciled” for travel purposes at the nearest Iowa DHS Full Time Office, however it may work from home. Initial training may be Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, until ready to take on assigned duties. Training will consist of a combination of in-person training in Des Moines and virtual training.
Core Essential Functions:
- Performs Intake duties for protective referrals concerning children and dependent adults made to the Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Responds to allegation of children or dependent adults in need of protection in a timely manner and ensures that critical information is accurate and complete about the subjects and the alleged incident
- Engages the Reporter (caller) using hotline interviewing techniques including open and closed ended questions, reflective listening, refocusing, and suppressing, probing, affirming, and summarizing to gather necessary information
- Determines if the alleged victim needs immediate protection and passes all appropriate information to the Intake Supervisor
- The Intake worker enters information onto the appropriate form
- Identifies the nature of the report and determines which general category of alleged abuse (physical, sexual or neglect)
- Documents all safety concerns for the referred victim(s) and others in the home or entering the home and effectively communicate the information within applicable time frames to the Intake Supervisor
- Communicates with Reporter(s) of abuse within 24 hours if the intake will be accepted or rejected for assessment
- Discusses next steps and/or alternatives that may assist the children/family
- Completes and documents background checks for all household members and subjects.
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate exceptional customer services skills and the ability to establish relationships
- Demonstrate excellent judgment and communication skills
- Demonstrate good written documentation in a timely manner
- Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and work under pressure
- Demonstrate integrity and a strong work ethic
- Demonstrate independent judgement to make sound decisions.
To ensure the Service Area is providing the best service to the residents of Iowa, applicants should demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Preference will be given to the ability to speak more than one language. Please list any additional languages you speak in your application.
Preference will be given for education or experience which correlates directly with the requirements and duties of the position.
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.
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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).
Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.For designated positions in case management, the appointing authority may request those applicants possessing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or at least 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the behavioral sciences, education, health care, human services administration, or social sciences and the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience in the delivery of human services in the combination of: chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities as a Targeted (Medicaid) Case Manager;
- Date Posted
- 03/26/2025
- Job Reference
- 25-02598
- Organization
- 400 Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection - Des Moines Service Area, Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection - Des Moines Service Area
- Location
- State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA
- Category
- Mental Health/Social Services
Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments
To find local governmental public health jurisdictions, see - www.naccho.org