Family Support Specialist (FADSS)-DUBUQUE

Four Oaks Family & Children Services•Dubuque, IA

22d

About The Position

Four Oaks is hiring a Family Support Specialist for its Strength-Based Family Support team. The role provides individualized, community-based support to children and families in Linn, Johnson, Washington, Benton, and Iowa Counties. Through home visits, skill development, advocacy, and community connections, the specialist helps families recognize their strengths, work through barriers, achieve goals, and build independence. The specialist develops supportive relationships with families, conducts monthly home visits, and partners with them to set meaningful goals and identify realistic steps toward success. The role includes assessing child development, family relationships, support systems, and brain health; connecting families with community resources; teaching practical life skills; coordinating care; evaluating progress; supporting discharge planning; and maintaining accurate documentation. The position also involves collaboration with community organizations, service providers, and public systems. Four Oaks describes itself as a mission-driven organization that values compassion, teamwork, professional growth, and work-life balance. Employees may gain experience in family support, prevention services, advocacy, and community-based care, with collaboration, training, and opportunities for advancement.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education or experience criteria: a bachelor's degree in a social-services-related field; a bachelor's or associate's degree in a human-services-related field; or a high school diploma/GED and the equivalent of five years of full-time experience in social services or other human services delivery.
Be at least 23 years of age.
Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Have effective problem-solving and coordination abilities.
Have basic computer skills in a Microsoft Office environment.

Responsibilities

Build trusting relationships with children and families and help them identify strengths and pursue meaningful goals.
Conduct monthly home visits and provide encouragement, guidance, and individualized support in a respectful, nonjudgmental environment.
Partner with families to establish goals, identify challenges, and develop realistic steps toward success.
Complete assessments related to child development, family relationships, support systems, and brain health.
Connect families with community programs, services, and support systems that promote stability and independence.
Teach practical everyday skills, including financial management, employment readiness, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency.
Help families navigate community resources, overcome barriers, and advocate for themselves.
Collaborate with community organizations, service providers, and public systems to expand opportunities and improve access to resources.
Help families work through conflicts, identify solutions, and navigate challenges.
Assist with care coordination, evaluate progress toward goals, and participate in discharge planning.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of family contacts, services provided, progress, and community partnerships.