Case Worker-Child Welfare Social Worker

The Youth Law Center has an open position for a case worker. A case worker is responsible for working collaboratively with our team of attorneys to help assess the safety and well-being of the children our agency represents in legal matters to provide support and interventions to protect children from harm, help them heal from past trauma, build their resilience by working child welfare professionals, service providers, educators and the child’s family.

Key responsibilities of a child protection social worker:

• Investigating Client’s Welfare:

Conducting thorough investigations of a child’s over-all welfare. This will include home visits, interviews with children, parents, and other relevant individuals, and gathering evidence to substantiate or dismiss claims of abuse or neglect. The case worker will also help attorneys to monitor a child’s wellbeing wherever they reside.

• Risk assessment:

Evaluating the severity of child abuse or neglect, identifying potential risks to the child's safety, and determining appropriate interventions based on the assessment.

• Case management:

Developing and implementing case plans for clients, including goals, interventions, and monitoring progress to ensure child safety.

• Collaboration with other professionals:

Working with law enforcement, medical professionals, mental health providers, and other social service agencies to coordinate care and ensure the best outcomes for children.

• Reporting and documentation:

Maintaining accurate and detailed case records, documenting all interactions with our clients, their families and the professionals involved in their case and adhering to legal reporting requirements regarding child abuse.

The Youth Law Center while a nonprofit, is a law firm and as such, case workers are

required to follow the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys.

Case workers are expected to make themselves available in the evenings and weekends to conduct home visits with children. Case workers should expect to have extensive in-state and some out-of-state travel to visit clients.

Required skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• Strong understanding of child development and child abuse dynamics
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to conduct thorough investigations, assess risk, and make sound decisions under pressure
• Crisis intervention skills to respond to immediate child safety concerns
• Cultural competency to work effectively with diverse families
• An understanding of poverty and the impact poverty has on families of origin
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
• Childcare practices and regulations
• Child welfare policies and practices

We encourage individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others to apply for this rewarding position.

Please send cover letter and resume via email through really by February 24, 2026. Thank you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Des Moines, IA 50309 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Moines, IA 50309: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $22