Functional Family Therapist

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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