Job Description

Posting number: 27-00837

Department: 400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration

Job classification: Program Planner 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development, Natural Resources, Program Management

Summary

Iowa of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking a Local CASA Coordinator to join our team!

Candidates for this position must reside in or be willing to move to reside in the following counties: Cedar, Clinton, Des Moines, Henry, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine or Scott.

Every child in Iowa's court system deserves a strong, consistent advocate who keeps their best interests in front of mind. That voice exists because of the volunteers this position recruits, trains, and supports. The Local CASA Program Coordinator is the operational core connecting courts, child welfare partners, volunteers, and the community, making sure every case has a well-prepared advocate behind it.

This isn't a background role. This position is the engine that drives the program's reach and quality. Without strong community partnerships, a growing and well-trained volunteer base, and rigorous case oversight, CASA cannot expand its impact or guarantee consistent advocacy for children in the system. The person in this seat determines how many children get a voice and how well-equipped that voice is.

If you're a relationship builder who thrives on community engagement, volunteer development, and steady case oversight, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Grow Community Engagement and Program Reach

• Increase public awareness and support for CASA through outreach efforts
• Build and maintain strong relationships with courts, HHS Family Well-Being & Protection, and community stakeholders to grow CASA case assignments
• Collaborate with community organizations to expand partnerships, visibility, and volunteer recruitment
• Develop and execute a strategic recruitment plan to grow and diversify the volunteer base

Coordinate Volunteers and Oversee Cases

• Support CASA volunteers from case assignment through case closure
• Review and submit CASA court reports, ensuring compliance with policies and deadlines
• Offer ongoing guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities to volunteers
• Ensure compliance with volunteer management standards
• Use data systems to support volunteers and maintain accurate volunteer and case records

Train and Develop Volunteers

• Assess and meet the ongoing training needs of advocates and coaches
• Deliver or coordinate pre-service training for new volunteers
• Develop and implement a continuing education plan aligned with program goals
• Use virtual learning and conferencing tools for training and engagement

What We're Looking For

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A passion for child advocacy and community impact
• Comfort working with courts, public systems, and volunteers
• Skill in facilitating training and supporting adult learners

Why This Role Matters

Every case a CASA volunteer takes on starts with the recruitment, training, and support this position provides. Every detail provided in CASA’s report to the court reflects the oversight this position maintains. This is a role where community relationships and volunteer development translate directly into more children having a consistent, well-prepared advocate in the courtroom.

If you're ready to bring your skills, energy, and passion to a role that truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

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

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).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Six years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

b. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.