Functional Family Specialist -Tama or Marshall County

Four Oaks Family & Children Services•Cedar Rapids, IA

13d

About The Position

Four Oaks is hiring a Functional Family Specialist to serve families throughout Iowa’s 2nd Judicial District, including Tama or Marshall County. The specialist works directly with families whose adolescents are ages 10–18, using the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model to strengthen communication and relationships and help families navigate challenges. Services are provided in families’ homes and involve assessing family interactions, developing interventions, and working toward individualized treatment goals. The role emphasizes recognizing family strengths and helping families develop skills they can continue using after services end. The specialist manages approximately 10–15 families, with services estimated to last 8–26 weeks. The position requires flexibility to schedule sessions around family availability and collaboration with schools, medical and mental health providers, referring workers, and other community partners. The listed job location is Cedar Rapids, Iowa; the position is full-time and first shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, criminal justice, or a related field.
Passion for working with adolescents and families.
Strong communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to assess family dynamics and help develop meaningful treatment goals.
Comfort working independently and providing services in family homes.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trust.
Ability to manage multiple cases, stay organized, and meet documentation requirements.
Ability to collaborate with schools, service providers, and community partners.
Flexibility with scheduling to meet families’ needs.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Build trusting relationships with families and create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and respected.
Provide at least one hour of home-based family therapy each week, scheduling around family availability.
Use the Functional Family Therapy model to support families with adolescents ages 10–18.
Assess family interactions, identify areas for growth, and develop interventions based on individualized treatment plans.
Monitor treatment goals, recognize improvements, and help families build on their successes.
Manage a caseload of approximately 10–15 families, providing services over an estimated 8–26 weeks.
Identify community services and support systems that can contribute to families’ long-term success.
Participate in case planning, progress evaluations, permanency planning, and discharge planning.
Collaborate with schools, medical and mental health providers, referring workers, and other community partners.
Maintain accurate case documentation, treatment updates, and discharge records.
Adjust the work schedule to meet families when they are available and able to participate.