Family Specialist - Counselor

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

$20.25-$22/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

At Children & Families of Iowa, our mission is simple but powerful: Restore Hope. Build Futures. Change Lives. As a Family Specialist – Counselor, you will play a key role in supporting children and families as they work through challenges and build stronger futures together.

In this position, you will provide direct counseling, assessments, and family-centered services to help families develop the skills and support systems they need to thrive. You’ll work closely with supervisors, community partners, and other professionals while using evidence-based models such as Solution-Based Casework and SafeCare.

We provide training, job shadowing, and ongoing support so you can grow your skills and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

What You’ll Do

As a Family Specialist – Counselor, You Will

  • Conduct independent assessments of family strengths and needs using evidence-based tools
  • Provide counseling and skill-building services to children and families
  • Facilitate family interactions and support positive family relationships
  • Provide crisis intervention services when needed
  • Coordinate and schedule meetings with families, IHHS, and FCS team members
  • Complete intake forms, assessments, case notes, and reports in electronic systems
  • Collaborate with community partners to ensure families receive the support they need
  • Your work will help families develop healthier relationships, improve stability, and build brighter futures.
  • Why You’ll Love Working Here
  • We value our employees and offer a supportive environment with meaningful benefits:
  • 80 hours of vacation time after just 90 days
  • Up to 480 hours of accrued paid sick leave
  • 8 paid holidays annually
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision
  • Company-provided life insurance with optional voluntary coverage
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Referral Program

Requirements

  • Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related human services field
  • Ability to complete SafeCare and Solution-Based Casework training (training provided)
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently, respond to emergencies, and meet deadlines
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Reliable internet access or ability to work from an office location
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Auto insurance with liability coverage and a safe driving record
  • Candidates with diverse backgrounds and multilingual abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Children & Families of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Learn more about our mission and programs at cfiowa.org.

Key Responsibilities

The Family Specialist provides direct counseling, assessments, and skill-building services to children and families to support their stability and growth. They also coordinate with community partners and maintain accurate case documentation in electronic systems.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree

Key Skills

Case managementAssessmentReportingCollaboration

Counselor Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Iowa is 87.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$44k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $50k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Iowa clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 52% are remote, 38% have no call, 64% require no weekends.

Counselor pay on WeekdayDoc is up 2.5% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

Top Counselor Jobs

27 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution27 jobs · 18 employers

7
<$85k
9
$85k-100k
3
$100k-115k
8
$115k-130k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks23 jobs · 18 employers

401k / retirement match
100% this job
Sign-on bonus
35%
CME allowance
35%
Loan repayment
17%
PSLF eligible
17%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist - LICSW/LPCC/LMFT

LifeStance Health · Saint Louis Park, Minnesota

$74k-$126k
#2

Clinical Director - LMFT, LCSW, LPCC

Seneca Family of Agencies · Salinas, California

$112k-$126k
#3

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)

$92k-$125k
#4

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

$115k-$120k
+ 25 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 10% of Counseling listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 513 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Indianola

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$297k
Typical market rent
$1,185/mo
Residents’ average commute
22 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
91.7
State income tax
Up to 6%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Children & Families of Iowa logo

About Children & Families of Iowa

Individual and Family Services
Des Moines, Iowa
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

80 hours vacation after 90 days
Up to 480 hours accrued paid sick leave
8 paid holidays
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-provided life insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
401(k) with company match
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)