Family Services Specialist

Iris Family Support Center; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing professional development

Supportive team environment

Opportunity to grow clinical and case management skills

Job summary

Iris Family Support Center seeks a compassionate Family Service Specialist in South Bend, Indiana, to directly engage with families and provide crucial support services. The role includes managing caseloads, conducting assessments, and collaborating with community resources. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field, at least one year of experience in family services, and a valid driver's license. This full-time position includes flexible scheduling and requires travel within the assigned region.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in childcare or family services.
• Experience working with at-risk families preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active caseload and meet productivity expectations.
• Conduct intakes, assessments, and develop case plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support.
• Deliver face-to-face services in homes and communities.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation.

Skills

Strong communication (written & verbal)

Relationship-building

Trauma-informed approach

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Emotional resilience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or related field

Job description

Make a Real Impact Where It Matters Most

Welcome to Iris Family Support Center!

At Iris, we believe strong families build strong communities. We're looking for compassionate, driven Family Service Specialists to join our team and help families navigate challenges, build stability, and ensure child safety.

In this role, you won’t be behind a desk—you’ll be working directly with families in their homes and communities, creating meaningful change every day.

What We do

At Iris, we are committed to our founder’s mission to prevent and eliminate the abuse and neglect of children through education, counseling, intervention, family services, and community partnerships.

Join a team that provides you with:

• Meaningful, mission-driven work that impacts families directly
• Ongoing professional development and certification opportunities
• A supportive team environment with strong supervision and collaboration
• Opportunity to grow your clinical and case management skills

What You’ll Do

As a part of the Iris family, you will provide structured, goal-oriented, and trauma-informed services to families referred by the Department of Child Services and Juvenile Probation.

You’ll work hands-on with families through:

• Supervised Visitation
• Father Engagement Services
• Home-Based Casework

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an active caseload and meet productivity expectations
• Conduct intakes, assessments, and develop individualized case plans
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and ongoing support
• Deliver face-to-face services (minimum 50% of your week) in homes and communities
• Use evidence-based practices such as:
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Nurturing Parenting
  • Family Centered Treatment (FCT)
• Partner with courts, DCS, probation, foster parents, and community stakeholders
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation (case notes, reports, treatment plans)
• Advocate for families and connect them to community resources
• Attend court hearings and testify when needed
• Provide transportation and hands-on support when necessary

What Success Looks Like

• 20+ hours of face-to-face client services weekly
• Timely and accurate documentation
• Strong family engagement and goal completion
• Positive outcomes aligned with service contracts and agency expectations

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who is both compassionate and resilient—someone who can build trust while navigating complex family situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or related field
  • Alternative positions available for non-degree
• At least 1 year of experience in childcare, home management, or family services
• Experience working with at-risk families (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance

Core Competencies

• Strong communication (written & verbal)
• Relationship-building and rapport development
• Trauma-informed approach
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Emotional resilience and professionalism
• High level of personal accountability and ethical practice

Work Environment & Schedule

• 40 hours/week (full-time)
• Availability required:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (flexible scheduling)
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (as needed)
• ~30% travel within assigned region
• Work takes place in homes, communities, and office settings

Important Notes

• Working in diverse and sometimes unpredictable environments
• Physical activity (lifting up to 60 lbs, navigating homes, responding quickly in emergencies)
• Exposure to real-life family challenges requiring sound judgment and professionalism

Equal Opportunity Employer

Iris Family Support Center is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer.