Position Summary
The implementation site utilizes the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model with designated target populations, each with specific referral and reporting requirements. The therapist will provide home-based family therapy services to adolescents ages 10–18 and their families using the Functional Family Therapy model.
Therapists provide, at a minimum, weekly one-hour family therapy sessions within the family’s home environment while supporting families in building healthier relationships, improving communication, and strengthening family stability. Services are typically provided over a period of 8 to 26 weeks, with therapists maintaining a caseload of approximately 8–10 families.
This position requires flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the availability and needs of participating families. The ideal candidate is compassionate, adaptable, team-oriented, and committed to empowering families through supportive, strength-based interventions. Serving Iowa Judicial Districts 3 and/or 4.
Essential Job Functions
- Maintain and manage an assigned caseload of families receiving services
- Provide home-based Functional Family Therapy services to adolescents and their families
- Collaborate and actively participate as a member of the therapy team
- Support families by connecting them with appropriate community resources, services, and supports
- Assist families with both clinical needs and concrete service coordination
- Complete and maintain all required documentation, records, and accountability measures in a timely and accurate manner
- Assist administrative staff with the collection of information related to program effectiveness and outcomes
- Maintain professional, respectful, and culturally responsive interactions with clients, families, community partners, and staff
- Demonstrate sensitivity and respect toward diversity within the agency’s service population and workforce
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the direct supervisor
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, counseling, education, or another related human service field
- Minimum of two years of experience working in children and family services preferred
Experience Requirements
- Ability and willingness to work with families in their homes and community settings
- Flexibility to accommodate the scheduling needs of participating families
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
- Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and complete tasks with minimal supervision
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills
- Ability to understand, apply, and work within the Functional Family Therapy philosophy and model
- Ability to effectively engage and work with adolescents and their families
- Commitment to providing services with respect for cultural diversity and individual family values
- Ability to engage families who may initially be resistant to services or support
- Ability to adapt and individualize interventions by recognizing and building upon family strengths and skills
- Commitment to empowering families to identify solutions and achieve positive change
- Belief in the capacity of individuals and families to grow, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change
- Ability to establish respectful, collaborative relationships in which families are treated as active partners in the therapeutic process
- Ability to intervene appropriately and decisively when necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of family members
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries and ethical standards of practice
*SHIP is an equal opportunity employer
