Functional Family Specialist

FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDRENS SERVICES•Cedar Rapids, IA

About The Position

Four Oaks is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Functional Family Specialist to provide home-based Functional Family Therapy (FFT) services to families throughout Iowa’s 2nd Judicial District. The specialist works with families of adolescents ages 10–18 to strengthen relationships, improve communication, address behavioral and emotional challenges, and develop supportive home environments. The role involves weekly family therapy sessions, typically lasting at least one hour, and managing a caseload of approximately 10–15 families. Services are individualized and generally provided over 8–26 weeks. The specialist assesses family needs and strengths, applies FFT interventions, monitors progress toward goals, connects families with community resources, and coordinates services with schools, healthcare professionals, referring workers, and community partners. The position also includes case and permanency planning, discharge coordination, and required documentation. A flexible schedule is maintained to accommodate families’ availability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, criminal justice, or a related field.
Compassionate, resourceful, and passionate about helping adolescents and families strengthen relationships and build brighter futures.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in family therapy or youth services is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, home-based family therapy to families with adolescents ages 10–18.
Conduct weekly family therapy sessions of at least one hour in families’ homes.
Use the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model to assess family interactions, identify strengths and challenges, and develop interventions.
Build trusting relationships with families and support improved communication, problem-solving, and positive interactions.
Manage a caseload of approximately 10–15 families and provide services over an 8–26 week period.
Assess family needs, implement treatment interventions, monitor progress toward goals, and adjust strategies as needed.
Assist with community resource planning and connect families with services that promote stability and long-term success.
Coordinate services with schools, healthcare professionals, referring workers, and community partners.
Participate in case planning, permanency planning, and discharge coordination.
Complete required documentation.
Maintain a flexible schedule to meet with families at times that suit their needs.