Family Specialist - Counselor

Children-; Clarinda (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time: 80 hours after 90 days

Paid sick leave: up to 480 hours

8 paid holidays

Job summary

Children & Families of Iowa is seeking a Family Specialist – Counselor to support children and families in building healthier relationships and brighter futures. You will conduct assessments, provide counseling, and coordinate services using evidence-based models throughout the community.

The role emphasizes crisis intervention, collaboration with IHHS and FCS teams, and the use of electronic records to track progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related human services field.
• Specialized training in SafeCare and Solution-Based Casework will be provided.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, respond to emergencies, and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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.

Skills

Counseling

Assessment

Communication

Time management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or related field

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR) systems

Case management software

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