Family Mentor

Description

Are you passionate about supporting families affected by substance use and making a lasting impact in their lives? Do you bring lived experience, empathy, and a commitment to helping others navigate complex systems? Join our team as a Family Mentor and help build stronger futures for families involved in the child welfare system!

Why Join Us?

· Empower Families – Use your unique experiences and training to support families with young children facing substance use challenges.

· Be the Bridge – Work alongside Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure families are supported through every step of their journey.

· Collaborative Culture – Join a team dedicated to trust, growth, and community-based support.

· Flexibility & Purpose – Enjoy a role that allows you to connect directly with families in their homes and communities while making a measurable difference.

What You’ll Do

As a Family Mentor, you’ll work one-on-one with families impacted by substance use who have children under the age of five. Your role is vital in providing mentorship, encouragement, and consistent support as they navigate the child welfare system and access needed services.

Your Key Responsibilities

· Provide individualized support and mentorship to families with children under age 5 who are impacted by substance use and involved in the child welfare system

· Conduct weekly home visits and shared case management duties with HHS workers

· Maintain confidentiality and uphold all mandated reporting standards

· Help families access services outlined in their child welfare plans

· Attend required HHS and START Program trainings and community-building activities

· Offer crisis support and guidance as needed

· Maintain timely documentation and submit weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly data and reports

· Build strong working relationships with families, HHS staff, service providers, and legal partners

· Participate in local, county, and statewide meetings and maintain active knowledge of community resources

· Assist in collecting data and completing grant-required reports

What You Bring to the Team

· Personal experience with prior involvement in the child welfare system

· Deep empathy and understanding of families facing substance use challenges

· Familiarity with local community resources or willingness to learn and connect with providers

· Ability to work independently while being part of a larger collaborative team

· Willingness to travel regularly

· Maintain strong boundaries and a high level of confidentiality

· Effective communication, writing, and interpersonal skills

Requirements

What You Need to Succeed

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Experience with data entry and accurate record keeping

· Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record

· Ability to meet all training and licensing requirements

· Experience writing reports and/or testifying in court preferred

· Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems

· Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally

· Navigate in-home visits

· Strong reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities