Program Assistant 2 - Licensing Lead Worker

Program Assistant 2 - Licensing Lead Worker

Salary

$50,398.40 - $74,068.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01026

Agency

427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

Opening Date

10/12/2026

Closing Date

10/22/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Anne Schlepphorst; anne.schlepphorst@dia.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, solution-oriented, and enthusiastic individual to join as a Lead Licensing Worker within our Professional Licensing Division at our central office near Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa.

Who We Are

DIAL's mission is to Achieve Compliance through Education, Regulation, and Due Process for a Safe and Healthy Iowa. Our goal is to be an effective, efficient and approachable regulatory agency. DIAL is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans, and is comprised of eight core operational divisions: Administrative Hearings, Building & Construction, Health & Safety, Investigations, Labor/OSHA, Professional Licensing, Workers' Compensation, and Administration.

What Were Seeking

The successful candidate for this fast-paced position is a motivated, organized, and detail-focused individual. Applicants should have a proven track record of completing tasks on a strict deadline, sound judgment and decision-making ability, and have excellent customer service skills.

Desired qualifications include:

• Experience directing and balancing the daily work of a team.
• Ability to train and onboard new staff as well as provide ongoing training for existing staff.
• Strong conflict resolution skills with the ability to diffuse escalated situation with applicants and licensees.
• Ability to apply Iowa statutes, administrative rules, and complex procedures to determine eligibility.
• Strong technical aptitude with an ability to recommend system efficiencies and maintain procedure manuals.
• Experience in developing training materials, standard operating procedures, and engaging in continuous process improvement.

What Youll Do:

Here is a detailed, comprehensive breakdown of the job duties for the Licensing Coordinator position, categorized by core operational functions:

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Direct the daily operations of licensing specialists by distributing and balancing workloads, maintaining attendance records, and ensuring adequate coverage.
• Review staff performance by accepting, modifying, or rejecting work, reporting infractions, and providing input on staffing decisions.
• Train and instruct both new and current employees, including developing cross-training initiatives and writing coverage plans that identify backup staff for each position.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex complaints and requests for information, utilizing conflict resolution skills to defuse tense situations with applicants and licensees while strictly complying with Iowa statutes and administrative rules.

Background Check Program Management

• Oversee the background check process for assigned programs.
• Guide applicants with potentially disqualifying criminal offenses through the pre-qualification process, which includes drafting non-binding committee opinions.
• Author and maintain the background check procedure manual, develop associated training materials, and serve as the lead educator for staff on these protocols.

Application Processing & Financial Operations

• Review and process complex licensing applications and renewals for assigned boards by verifying education, examination records, and overall compliance.
• Process licensing fees, issue new licenses and certificates, request missing information from applicants, and prepare daily financial deposits for funds received.
• Ensure timely customer service by monitoring inquiries from individuals, schools, and businesses, advising them on procedures via telephone, email, and in-person consultations.
• Identify operational problems and suggest improvements.

Systems Management & Quality Improvement

• Act as the "super user" for the licensing database, continuously identifying efficiencies and recommending database modifications to streamline operations for both staff and applicants.
• Lead quality improvement projects and collaborate with leadership to draft and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Develop daily operational reports tracking application processing times to prioritize workflow and manage high volumes of queries.
• Coordinate the production of legislatively mandated reports and develop informational materials for distribution via email, newsletters, and the website.
• Perform other administrative and operational duties as assigned.

What We Offer

When you join DIAL, you help to make Iowa safer and healthier, while enjoying an outstanding benefits package!

In addition to providing a positive work environment, we offer a great compensation package for all our full-time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Teleworking options after the first six months.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Optional 401A plan with employer contribution.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)

For additional information on benefits click here.

Excited to pursue the next step in your career? Apply today!

Background check required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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.

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

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!

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 graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in any field, and have 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)?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have 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?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee? IF YES - Do you 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 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

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing Address 6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://dia.iowa.gov/