Family Support Specialist (FADSS)

Four Oaks Family & Children Services•Cedar Rapids, IA

27d

About The Position

Four Oaks is seeking a compassionate and motivated Family Support Specialist for its Strength-Based Family Support team. The specialist works directly with children and families in Linn, Johnson, Washington, Benton, and Iowa Counties, providing individualized support, guidance, and resources to help families achieve their goals and build independence. Support is delivered through home visits, skill development, advocacy, and community connections. The role focuses on building trusting relationships, helping families identify their strengths, and partnering with them to set meaningful goals and address challenges. The specialist supports healthy child development and family relationships, connects families with community resources, teaches practical life skills, coordinates care, tracks progress, and maintains accurate documentation. The position is described as full-time and requires a qualifying degree or equivalent human-services experience.

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.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Effective problem-solving and coordination abilities.
Basic computer skills in a Microsoft Office environment.

Responsibilities

Build supportive relationships with children and families and help them identify strengths and work toward goals.
Conduct monthly home visits and provide individualized guidance and 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.
Teach practical skills such as financial management, employment readiness, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency.
Advocate for families as they navigate community resources and overcome barriers.
Collaborate with community organizations, service providers, and public systems to improve access to resources and opportunities.
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, progress, and community partnerships.