Family Specialist - Counselor

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

$19.5-$20.75/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

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

Posted 6mo ago

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

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 family-centered services to help families build stronger futures. They also facilitate family interactions, manage crisis interventions, and collaborate with community partners to ensure comprehensive support.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree

Key Skills

Case managementAssessmentReport writingDocumentationFamily support

Clinical Psychology — Counselor Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Iowa is 87.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $48k 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 Clinical Psychology listings this role was benchmarked against, 56% are remote, 26% have no call, 62% require no weekends.

What does the Clinical Psychology market look like in Iowa?
MeasureThis jobMarket
Work-life score7.2 / 10 · top 25% in clinical psychology (counseling)ranked against 361 Clinical Psychology (Counseling) listingslisting-based score, 0–10
Listed pay$41k–$43kClinical Psychology median $71k (middle half $53k–$90k)273 comparable listings, Oct 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$48k in purchasing powerIowa index 87.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Work settingon-sitepeers: 56% remote · 26% no call · 62% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Clinical Psychology pay trend+11.6% vs prior quarter—through Sep 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index (361 Clinical Psychology (Counseling) listings), BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Family Specialist - Counselor at Children & Families of Iowa a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 25% in Clinical Psychology (Counseling) — ranked against 361 active Clinical Psychology (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc.

Top Counselor Jobs

30 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

30 jobs · 17 employers
11
<$85k
4
$85k-100k
3
$100k-115k
11
$115k-130k
1
$155k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

25 jobs · 17 employers
401k / retirement match
92% this job
CME allowance
32%
Sign-on bonus
20%
Loan repayment
8%
PSLF eligible
4%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Dental Therapist

InterDent Service · Salem, Oregon

From $155k
#2

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist - LICSW/LPCC/LMFT

LifeStance Health · Saint Louis Park, Minnesota

$74k-$126k
#3

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

$92k-$125k
#4

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMFT, LMHC, LCSW)

$115k-$120k
+ 28 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.9this job 7.2
Better work-life than 80% of Clinical Psychology (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 361 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

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 sick leave
8 paid holidays
Medical, dental, vision insurance
Company-provided life insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
401(k) with company match
Employee Assistance Program