CASA Program Assistant 2
Job details
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $50,398 - $74,069/yr
- Posted
- Oct 5, 2026
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking an Administrative Assistant 2 to join our team!
About the Role
CASA of Iowa believes every child in Iowa's child welfare court system deserves a consistent, informed voice speaking up for their best interests. The CASA Bureau's ability to deliver that service depends on strong infrastructure behind the scenes. The State Office Administrative Assistant is the hub of that infrastructure: the person who keeps the state office running, keeps local programs and volunteers supported, and keeps the Bureau's finances sound.
This isn't a peripheral support role. This role is foundational to the Bureau's ability to function. Without reliable records, timely background checks, clear communication, and sound fiscal management, local CASA programs can't operate, and volunteers can't be matched with the children who need them. The person in this seat makes the whole system work.
If you're organized, relationship-driven, and motivated by service to children and to the teams who advocate for them, we want to hear from you
What You'll Do
- Connect the Network
Serve as the link between local CASA programs across the state, volunteers, and the state office — making sure information, resources, and support flow where they're needed.
- Keep the State Office Running
- Plan, schedule, and organize the Bureau's work so time and attention stay focused on its goals, projects, and priorities
- Maintain Bureau records and data systems, providing data support to field staff and case-related data support to local program coordinators
- Track and conduct volunteer background checks
- Respond to information requests from potential volunteers and the public
- Serve as secretary to the Iowa Child Advocacy Board
- Facilitate communication across the CASA state network and coordinate team meeting logistics
- Manage Bureau mail, email, and phone inquiries
- Provide first-line support on Bureau technology issues
- Steward Bureau Finances
- Review and advise on the annual Bureau budget
- Monitor Bureau revenue and spending, and ensure bills are submitted for payment on time
- Prepare financial statements as requested
- Serve as fiscal liaison with Friends of Iowa CASA, preparing and verifying paperwork for that partnership
- Support leadership and local teams in maintaining Friends of Iowa CASA accounts
What We're Looking For
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting demands
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills, across state staff, local coordinators, volunteers, and the public
- A commitment to servant leadership and to the mission of the CASA Bureau and the children it serves
- Comfort working with financial records, budgets, and data systems
Why This Role Matters
Local CASA programs run on the systems this position maintains — background checks that keep volunteers vetted, data that keeps cases connected to the right advocates, and finances that keep the partnership with Friends of Iowa CASA healthy. This is a role where day-to-day administrative excellence translates directly into better outcomes for children in the court system.
If you're ready to bring your organizational skill and your heart for service to a team that's doing work that 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in any field, and experience equal to one year of full-time administrative support (e.g., screening visitors and callers; opening/distributing mail, typing/proofing documents, letters, and reports; organizing files; scheduling meetings/appointments; arranging travel; processing travel claims; ordering supplies/equipment) or technical support work (e.g., determining budget, personnel, and equipment needs; compiling/evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial or technical program data; interpreting or securing compliance with laws, rules and regulations; reviewing operating records/reports and evaluating their effectiveness).
- A total of five years of education and/or 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.
- Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Program Assistant 1.
Benefits
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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. 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.
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 to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
Supplemental Questions
- Yes - I understand and agree.
- No
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
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee and have continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Program Assistant 1
- I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee but do not have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Program Assistant 1
- I am not a current permanent State of Iowa employee
- Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) or 4 plus years work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (ie: Social Work, Counseling, Public Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Criminal Justice, Paralegal)
- Associate’s Degree or 2 plus years work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (ie: Social Work, Counseling, Public Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Criminal Justice, Paralegal)
- Not Applicable
- Five or more years
- Four to less than five
- Three to less than four
- Two to less than three
- One to less than two
- Less than 1 year
- Five or more years
- Four to less than five
- Three to less than four
- Two to less than three
- One to less than two
- Less than one year
- Five or more years
- Four to less than five
- Three to less than four years
- Two to less than three
- One to less than two
- Less than one year
- Five or more years
- Four to less than five
- Three to less than four
- Two to less than three
- One to less than two
- Less than one year
- Five or more years
- Four to less than five
- Three to less than four
- Two to less than three
- One to less than two
- Less than one year
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of IowaAgency 400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration Address Lucas State Office Building321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, iowa, 50319 Website https://hhs.iowa.gov/