Family Support Specialist

Iris Family Support Center•Fort Wayne, IN

5d•$41,000 - $46,000

About The Position

Iris Family Support Center is hiring a compassionate, resilient Family Support Specialist to provide structured, goal-oriented, trauma-informed services to families referred by the Department of Child Services and Juvenile Probation. The role involves working directly with families in their homes and communities, delivering supervised visitation, father engagement services, and home-based casework. The position also includes office-based work. The specialist manages an active caseload, conducts intakes and assessments, develops individualized case plans, provides crisis intervention and safety planning, and supports families in reaching their goals. At least 50% of the workweek is spent delivering face-to-face services, with a stated success target of 20 or more hours of face-to-face client services each week. The specialist collaborates with courts, DCS, probation, foster parents, and community stakeholders; maintains timely and accurate records; advocates for families; connects them with community resources; and attends court hearings and testifies when needed. Transportation and hands-on support may also be required. The role is full-time at 40 hours per week. Scheduling is flexible within Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, with Saturday availability from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM as needed. The position involves approximately 30% travel within the assigned region and work in diverse, sometimes unpredictable environments. Iris describes the role as mission-driven and offers ongoing professional development and certification opportunities, a supportive team with supervision and collaboration, and opportunities to develop clinical and case management skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field; alternative positions are available for people without a degree.
At least 1 year of experience in childcare, home management, or family services.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Relationship-building and rapport-development skills.
Trauma-informed approach.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Emotional resilience and professionalism.
High level of personal accountability and ethical practice.
Ability to perform physical activity, including lifting up to 60 pounds, navigating homes, and responding quickly in emergencies.
Availability Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, with Saturday availability from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with at-risk families.

Responsibilities

Manage an active caseload and meet productivity expectations.
Conduct intakes and assessments and develop individualized case plans.
Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and ongoing support.
Deliver face-to-face services for at least 50% of the workweek in homes and communities.
Use evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Nurturing Parenting, and Family Centered Treatment (FCT).
Partner with courts, DCS, probation, foster parents, and community stakeholders.
Maintain accurate and timely case notes, reports, and treatment plans.
Advocate for families and connect them with community resources.
Attend court hearings and testify when needed.
Provide transportation and hands-on support when necessary.
Meet the success target of 20 or more hours of face-to-face client services weekly and support family engagement, goal completion, and outcomes aligned with service contracts and agency expectations.