Family Mentor

Children & Families of Iowa•Davenport, IA

17d

About The Position

Are you passionate about supporting families affected by substance use and making a lasting impact in their lives? Do you bring lived experience, empathy, and a commitment to helping others navigate complex systems? Join our team as a Family Mentor and help build stronger futures for families involved in the child welfare system! Why Join Us? · Empower Families – Use your unique experiences and training to support families with young children facing substance use challenges. · Be the Bridge – Work alongside Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure families are supported through every step of their journey. · Collaborative Culture – Join a team dedicated to trust, growth, and community-based support. · Flexibility & Purpose – Enjoy a role that allows you to connect directly with families in their homes and communities while making a measurable difference. What You’ll Do As a Family Mentor, you’ll work one-on-one with families impacted by substance use who have children under the age of five. Your role is vital in providing mentorship, encouragement, and consistent support as they navigate the child welfare system and access needed services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Experience with data entry and accurate record keeping
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record
Ability to meet all training and licensing requirements
Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
Navigate in-home visits
Strong reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities

Nice To Haves

Experience writing reports and/or testifying in court preferred
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems
Personal experience with prior involvement in the child welfare system
Deep empathy and understanding of families facing substance use challenges
Familiarity with local community resources or willingness to learn and connect with providers
Ability to work independently while being part of a larger collaborative team
Willingness to travel regularly
Maintain strong boundaries and a high level of confidentiality
Effective communication, writing, and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

Provide individualized support and mentorship to families with children under age 5 who are impacted by substance use and involved in the child welfare system
Conduct weekly home visits and shared case management duties with HHS workers
Maintain confidentiality and uphold all mandated reporting standards
Help families access services outlined in their child welfare plans
Attend required HHS and START Program trainings and community-building activities
Offer crisis support and guidance as needed
Maintain timely documentation and submit weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly data and reports
Build strong working relationships with families, HHS staff, service providers, and legal partners
Participate in local, county, and statewide meetings and maintain active knowledge of community resources
Assist in collecting data and completing grant-required reports