SCT-Family Advocate-Des Moines/ North Lee County

Four Oaks Family and Children Services; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid leave package

7 paid holidays

Career growth & advancement

Business casual environment

Educational discounts

Fitness center discounts

Supportive, team-oriented workplace

Job summary

Four Oaks Family and Children Services is seeking a compassionate Family Advocate to help families navigate resources and access essential services, working with those referred through Juvenile Court Services. You will connect families with community partners, build support systems, and advocate for client needs.

You’ll collaborate with local organizations, document interactions, and participate in rotating on-call support to assist families when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• Experience in mental health and/or child welfare desired.
• Intermediate MS Office skills; strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to children and families as they navigate challenges.
• Connect families with community services, financial assistance, and resources.
• Advocate for families and help them express needs to access services.
• Assist with referrals, funding opportunities, evaluations, and care coordination.
• Establish trust with families and keep them informed of services available.
• Serve as a liaison between families, Juvenile Court Services, and community providers.
• Help families join support groups and advocacy networks.
• Collaborate with local organizations to improve access to services and education.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, referrals, and interactions.
• Participate in rotating on-call telephone consultations as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Task prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Family Advocate – Empower Families. Build Brighter Futures.

More Than a Job. A Chance to Make a Difference in the Lives of Children and Families!

Are you passionate about helping families overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Do you enjoy connecting people with resources, building relationships, and being a voice for those who need additional support?

Four Oaks is looking for a compassionate, motivated, and dedicated Family Advocate to join our team!

As a Family Advocate, you'll work alongside children and families referred through Juvenile Court Services, helping them navigate available resources, access essential services, and build stronger support systems.

You'll serve as a trusted point of contact, connecting families with community partners and helping them overcome barriers along the way.

At Four Oaks, we believe every family deserves the opportunity to succeed, and you'll play an important role in helping make that happen!

What You'll Do

• Make a Difference: Provide individualized support and guidance to children and families as they navigate challenges and work toward positive outcomes.


• Connect Families with Resources: Help families identify and access community services, financial assistance, support programs, and other resources that meet their needs.


• Be Their Advocate: Help families identify concerns, communicate their needs, and overcome barriers that may prevent them from receiving services.


• Guide the Process: Assist with service referrals, applications, funding opportunities, evaluations, assessments, and coordination of care.


• Build Strong Relationships: Establish positive, trusting relationships with families while keeping them informed of available services and opportunities.


• Bring People Together: Serve as a liaison between families, Juvenile Court Services, community agencies, and service providers to encourage collaboration and communication.


• Strengthen Support Systems: Connect families with support groups, advocacy organizations, and parent-to-parent networks that provide encouragement and guidance.


• Partner with the Community: Collaborate with local organizations and service providers to improve access to services, training, and education.


• Keep Things Organized: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, referrals, family interactions, and coordination activities.


• Be There When Needed: Participate in a rotating on-call telephone consultation schedule to provide additional support.

Why Your Work Matters

Every Family Deserves Support. Every Child Deserves Opportunity.

Sometimes families just need someone who can help them navigate the challenges in front of them and connect them with the right resources.

As a Family Advocate, you'll help families feel heard, supported, and empowered to take the next steps toward a brighter future.

Your work will help strengthen family relationships, reduce barriers to services, and build connections that can make a lasting difference.

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.

We want you to feel appreciated, supported, and excited about the difference you’re making every day.

Here’s what we offer:

• Competitive Wages – Compensation that recognizes the important work you do.


• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Benefits to support you and your family.


• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Helping you plan for your future.


• Generous Paid Leave Package – Time to recharge and focus on what matters most.


• 7 Paid Holidays


• Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities – Opportunities to develop your skills and build your future with Four Oaks.


• Business Casual Work Environment


• Educational Discounts


• Fitness Center Discounts


• Supportive, Team-Oriented Workplace

Qualifications

What you need:

A Bachelors degree in Human Services or a related field of study is preferred for this position. Prior experience in mental health and/or child welfare setting is desired. Additional requirements include:

• Intermediate computer skills in a MS Office environment


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills


• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks on a timely manner