Family Specialist - Counselor

Children & Families of Iowa; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Children & Families of Iowa is seeking a Family Specialist – Counselor to provide direct counseling, assessments, and family-centered services. You will work with children and families to build skills and support systems, using evidence-based models such as Solution-Based Casework and SafeCare.

The role involves independent assessments, crisis intervention, and coordinating meetings with IHHS and FCS teams. A BSW or related degree, strong communication, and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or related field.
• Ability to complete SafeCare and Solution-Based Casework training (training provided).
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, respond to emergencies, and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable internet access or ability to work from an office location.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance with liability coverage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent assessments of family strengths and needs using evidence-based tools.
• Provide counseling and skill-building services to children and families.
• Facilitate family interactions and support positive family relationships.
• Provide crisis intervention services when needed.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings with families, IHHS, and FCS team members.
• Complete intake forms, assessments, case notes, and reports in electronic systems.
• Collaborate with community partners to ensure families receive the support they need.

Education

BSW or related field

Job description

Description

At Children & Families of Iowa, our mission is simple but powerful: Restore Hope. Build Futures. Change Lives. As a Family Specialist – Counselor, you will play a key role in supporting children and families as they work through challenges and build stronger futures together.

In this position, you will provide direct counseling, assessments, and family-centered services to help families develop the skills and support systems they need to thrive. You’ll work closely with supervisors, community partners, and other professionals while using evidence-based models such as Solution-Based Casework and SafeCare.

We provide training, job shadowing, and ongoing support so you can grow your skills and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

What You’ll Do

As a Family Specialist – Counselor, you will:

• Conduct independent assessments of family strengths and needs using evidence-based tools
• Provide counseling and skill-building services to children and families
• Facilitate family interactions and support positive family relationships
• Provide crisis intervention services when needed
• Coordinate and schedule meetings with families, IHHS, and FCS team members
• Complete intake forms, assessments, case notes, and reports in electronic systems
• Collaborate with community partners to ensure families receive the support they need

Your work will help families develop healthier relationships, improve stability, and build brighter futures.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We value our employees and offer a supportive environment with meaningful benefits:

• 80 hours of vacation time after just 90 days
• Up to 480 hours of accrued paid sick leave
• 8 paid holidays annually
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision
• Company-provided life insurance with optional voluntary coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Program

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related human services field
• Ability to complete SafeCare and Solution-Based Casework training (training provided)
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, respond to emergencies, and meet deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Reliable internet access or ability to work from an office location
• Valid driver’s license
• Auto insurance with liability coverage and a safe driving record

Candidates with diverse backgrounds and multilingual abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Children & Families of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Learn more about our mission and programs at www.cfiowa.org.