Family Specialist - Counselor
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.
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
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.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 7.2 / 10 · top 25% in clinical psychology (counseling) | ranked against 361 Clinical Psychology (Counseling) listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $41k–$43k | Clinical Psychology median $71k (middle half $53k–$90k)273 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$48k in purchasing power | Iowa index 87.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 56% remote · 26% no call · 62% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Clinical Psychology pay trend | +11.6% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
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.
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