Family Support Specialist (FADSS)

Four Oaks Family And Childrens Services; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Oaks Family And Childrens Services is seeking a compassionate Family Support Specialist to work with families in Linn, Johnson, Washington, Benton, and surrounding counties. The role focuses on strengths-based guidance, home visits, and helping families set realistic goals to improve independence and well-being.

You will coordinate assessments, connect families to resources, and support positive development while documenting progress and outcomes in collaboration with local service

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Social Services related field is required or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in a human services related field is acceptable.
• High School diploma/GED plus 5 years of full-time social/human services experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to families through home visits and individualized guidance.
• Help families identify strengths and set meaningful goals.
• Connect families with community resources and services.
• Support child development and family relationships through assessments and planning.
• Develop life skills such as budgeting, employment readiness, and problem solving.
• Advocate for families within public systems and service networks.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of contacts and services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Services

Bachelor’s or Associate’s in Human Services

High School diploma or GED + 5 years experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Family Support Specialist – Empower Families. Build Brighter Futures.More Than a Job. A Chance to Strengthen Families and Change Lives!Are you passionate about helping families overcome challenges, build confidence, and create brighter futures? Do you enjoy connecting with people, providing encouragement, and helping others discover their strengths?Four Oaks is looking for a compassionate, motivated, and dedicated Family Support Specialist to join our Strength-Based Family Support team!As a Family Support Specialist, you'll work directly with children and families throughout Linn, Johnson, Washington, Benton, and Iowa Counties, providing individualized support, guidance, and resources to help them achieve their goals and build greater independence.Through home visits, skill development, advocacy, and community connections, you'll help families recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and create positive, lasting changes.What You'll DoSupport Families. Build Confidence. Inspire Change.Make a Difference: Build trusting, supportive relationships with children and families while helping them identify their strengths and work toward meaningful goals.Meet Families Where They Are: Conduct monthly home visits, providing encouragement, guidance, and individualized support in a respectful, nonjudgmental environment.Empower Families: Partner with families to establish goals that matter to them, identify challenges, and develop realistic steps toward success.Support Healthy Development: Complete assessments related to child development, family relationships, support systems, and brain health to better understand each family's needs.Connect Families with Resources: Help families access community programs, services, and support systems that promote stability and independence.Build Life Skills: Teach practical everyday skills, including financial management, employment readiness, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency.Be a Family Advocate: Help families navigate community resources, overcome barriers, and build confidence in advocating for themselves.Strengthen Community Connections: Collaborate with community organizations, service providers, and public systems to expand opportunities and improve access to resources.Encourage Positive Solutions: Help families work through conflicts, identify solutions, and strengthen their ability to navigate challenges.Support Family Progress: Assist with care coordination, evaluate progress toward goals, and participate in discharge planning.Keep Things Organized: Maintain timely and accurate documentation of family contacts, services provided, progress, and community partnerships.Why Your Work MattersStrong Families Build Stronger Communities!Sometimes, the greatest difference you can make is helping someone recognize the strengths they already have.As a Family Support Specialist, you'll help families:Build confidence and develop greater independence.Strengthen parenting skills and family relationships.Overcome barriers to accessing essential resources.Develop practical skills for everyday success.Create safe, stable, and supportive environments for their children.Establish meaningful connections within their communities.Your work helps families move forward with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed.Why Choose Four Oaks?Because the Work You Do Matters, and So Do You!At Four Oaks, we believe in supporting our employees just as much as we support the children and families we serve. We value compassion, teamwork, professional growth, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.As part of the Four Oaks team, you'll have the opportunity to:Make a Meaningful Impact: Help families build stability, confidence, and independence.Build Your Career: Gain valuable experience in family support, prevention services, advocacy, and community-based care.Work with a Purpose: Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to positive outcomes for children and families.Grow Professionally: Develop your skills through collaboration, training, and opportunities for advancement.Be Part of a Supportive Team: Work alongside individuals who share your passion for helping families succeed.Ready to Help Families Reach Their Potential?If you're compassionate, resourceful, and passionate about helping children and families build brighter futures, we want to hear from you!At Four Oaks, you're not just providing family support services. You're helping families recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and create lasting positive change.Apply Today and Become a Four Oaks Difference Maker!What you need:To qualify for this position you must meet one of the following criteria:Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a Social Services related field of study (or)Possess a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in a human services related field of study (or)Possess a High School diploma/GED and the equivalent of 5 years of full time experience in social services or other human services delivery.Additional Qualifications:Must be at least 23 years of ageStrong interpersonal and communication skillsEffective problem solving and coordination abilitiesBasic computer skills in a MS Office environment