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Social Worker 3

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Social Worker 3

Salary

$53,289.60 - $80,371.20 Annually

Location

Cherokee - 51012 - Cherokee County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01237

Agency

400 Health & Human Services- State Operated Specialty Care- Cherokee Mental Health Institute

Opening Date

11/07/2025

Closing Date

11/23/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Kathy Norris, [email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) is seeking a Social Worker 3 to join our team!

The Social Worker 3 works in an acute psychiatric hospital setting with a forensic population. This population includes patients admitted from incarceration who are being evaluated and treated for competency. A background in severe mental illness and treatment approaches utilized is imperative. Knowledge of community service agencies, habilitation services, managed care, disability access points, and the mental health system in Iowa is preferred.

This position requires extensive case management skills. The successful candidate will need skills in assessment of patients and be required to complete progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge planning under stringent time constraints.

If you enjoy helping adults and families connect with mental health and disabilities services, this is a great opportunity to consider.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services includingindividualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well.

Benefits of Joining CMHI

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 (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3766/download?inline=) .

Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Cherokee Highlights

CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.”

Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/10-reasons-move-to-ia/) .

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 HHS 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.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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;

OR

graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in social work and the equivalent of two years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;

OR

a Master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university;

OR

an equivalent combination of graduate education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university and qualifying experience up to a maximum of thirty semester hours for one year of the required experience;

OR

employees withcurrentcontinuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Social Worker 2 shall be considered as qualified.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/SocialWorker3-03016-23016.pdf) .

Additional Qualification Requirements

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;

OR

an Iowa license to practice as a registered nurse and the equivalent of three years of full-time nursing or human services experience with the above population groups.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university?IF YES- How many years of full-time work experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency do you have?

+ Not applicable - I have not COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

+ No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas

+ One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas

+ Two years to less than three years of work experience in the identified areas

+ Three years or more of work experience in the identified areas

04

Have you COMPLETED a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university?IF YES- How many years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency do you have?

+ No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas

+ One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas

+ Two years or more of work experience in the identified areas

+ Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

05

Do you have a Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university?

+ Yes

+ No

06

PLEASE READ ALL PARTS OF THIS QUESTION - Have you completed a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university?IF YES- Do you have three years of a combination of GRADUATE (post bachelor's degree) education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university AND qualifying experience in a social work capacity?

NOTE 1:Applicants must have a MINIMUM of two years of the required experience.

Note 2:A maximum of thirty semester hours in the specified area of graduate study can substitute for one year of experience.IF YESDo you have at least two years of experience in a social work capacity AND a combination of ONE year of the following: one year of additional work experience in a social work capacity (not used to count for the first portion of the question) OR GRADUATE (post bachelor's degree) education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university? 30 semester hours of the GRADUATE LEVEL courses equals one year of experience.

+ Yes

+ No

07

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many years of work experience do you have in the classification of Social Worker 2?

+ Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa Employee

+ No experience in the classification of Social Worker 2

+ Less than one year of experience in the classification of Social Worker 2

+ One or more years of work experience in the classification of Social Worker 2

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

400 Health & Human Services- State Operated Specialty Care- Cherokee Mental Health Institute

Address

1251 W Cedar Loop

Cherokee, 51012

Website

https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/specialty-care-facilities/cherokee-mental-health-institute

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