​Job Summary
The Family Support Worker plays a crucial role in assisting families in navigating challenges related to child welfare and behavioral health. This position involves working closely with families to provide support, resources, and guidance in order to promote healthy family dynamics and improve overall well-being. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in social work, conflict management, and crisis intervention. They will encourage the positive growth of the individual, family, and community through support programs for parents and their children. The Family Support Worker plans and implements programs for parents and their children with an established curriculum and assessments, which include home visits, group parent education, and other family-based activities. This position also works as a team member in coordinating programs with area resources and other NCJC programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct assessments to identify the needs of families and children.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
• Provide crisis intervention services to families experiencing immediate challenges.
• Facilitate communication between families and relevant agencies, including child protective services and behavioral health organizations.
• Offer guidance on family law issues and connect families with legal resources as needed.
• Assist families in accessing community resources, including childcare services and educational programs.
• Monitor progress and adjust support plans as necessary to ensure effective outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions with families and document progress towards goals.

Working one-on-one with families and building relationships with families

• Manage caseloads for full-time (18-25 families)
• Together with parents, establish and maintain a safe and healthy home environment
• Together with parents, advance physical and intellectual competence for children
• Together with parents, support social and emotional development of children in the home and provide positive guidance
• Encourage participation in programs through regular outreach contacts
• Identify and build on natural and formal support systems of family members
• Assist family members in identifying strengths, values, and resources
• Promote opportunities for the family to build on and learn new competencies and skills to reach individual goals

Working with families in group settings

• Conduct outreach visits to eligible families in the target neighborhood
• Collaborate with community providers in Johnson County
• Recognize family needs, risks, and safety factors (including substance abuse, mental health needs, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect) and link families with services provided by community providers
• Identify and build upon family strengths and priorities
• Maintain regular contact with parents to engage, motivate, and encourage participation
• Facilitate and lead group programs with an understanding of group dynamics
• Collaborate effectively with individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives
• Provide services in a culturally competent manner
• Promote respect and encourage independence
• Educate individual families about child development, child-rearing, and positive personal development
• Use appropriate methods of support and establish professional boundaries with families
• Observe and understand child, individual, and family functioning

Ensure a quality and purposeful program responsive to participants’ needs

• Prepare for the program prior to implementing activities
• Maintain written plans
• Conduct assessments as directed and use results to plan and implement future programming
• Communicate regularly with other Center staff to receive and give referrals
• Act as a team member in promoting the success of all Center activities

Maintain a commitment to professional standards

• Promote the Neighborhood Center’s philosophy, goals, and objectives
• Support the Neighborhood Center’s ethical code of conduct
• Engage in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills
• Support the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement
• Complete all documentation and tracking needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong understanding of child welfare policies and practices.
• Experience working with children and families in a supportive capacity.
• Skills in conflict management and crisis management are essential.
• Knowledge of behavioral health principles is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with family law issues is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to speak and understand multiple languages is a plus.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Compassionate demeanor with a commitment to helping families achieve stability and success.

REPORTS TO 
Family Support Program Director 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 
B.A. in Social Work or related field with three or more years experience working with parents and youth in a family centered environment.  Experience facilitating group and individual parent education and support programs in a strength based approach preferred.  Ability to conduct outreach to encourage active participation is essential. Flexibility in schedule to provide evening and daytime programming. Knowledge of parent/child interaction, child development, non-violent discipline, cultural competency. In some positions, bilingual skills will be required.  Valid driver’s license required. 
 
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT  

1. Maintain current First Aid Training and CPR training. 

1. Maintain current Mandatory Reporters training. 

1. Receive clearance by the Iowa Department of Human Services on Child Abuse and Criminal Records check.  

1. Maintain a valid driver's license and provide personal vehicle. 

1. Maintain current physical. 

 
COMPENSATION 
$40,000-52,000 plus benefits