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Family Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstones of Care

Family Development Specialist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$39K - $44K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Family Development Specialist Salary: $39,000.00 - $44,000.00 annually (Starting salary depends on education and experience) Job Type: Full Time (Hybrid) This position will work out of the St. Louis ...

Cornerstones of Care

Family Development Specialist

Saint Louis, MO · Hybrid

$39K - $44K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Family Development Specialist Salary: $39,000.00 - $44,000.00 annually (Starting salary depends on education and experience) Job Type: Full Time (Hybrid) This position will work out of the St. Louis ...

Bethanna

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Family Development Specialist

Southampton, PA · On-site

$48K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Family Development Specialist is responsible for the training, evaluation and screening of potential resource parents and kinship homes. This includes conducting precertification sessions ...

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Bethanna

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Family Development Specialist

Southampton, PA · On-site

$48K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Family Development Specialist is responsible for the training, evaluation and screening of potential resource parents and kinship homes. This includes conducting precertification sessions ...

Urgent

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Family Development Specialist information

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$43.3K

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How much do family development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for family development specialist in the United States is $43,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $44,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a family development specialist?

A Family Development Specialist is a professional who works with families to help them overcome challenges and achieve stability and self-sufficiency. They assess family needs, develop service plans, and connect clients with resources such as housing, employment, education, child care, and healthcare. These specialists often work in community organizations, government agencies, or social service programs, focusing on building family strengths and promoting healthy family dynamics. Their ultimate goal is to empower families to achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.

What does a family development specialist do?

As a family development specialist, you provide support and services for children and families experience crises. Often with a specialty in domestic abuse or child protection, you offer resources and counseling to vulnerable families and help them interface with social service agencies. Your job duties include assessing the needs of family members, determining availability and eligibility for social services, and assisting in the creation of safe environments for children and seniors. A career as a family development specialist requires you have some formal qualifications and postsecondary education, typically a master’s degree in social work or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a family development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Family Development Specialist, you need a background in social work, counseling, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience. Familiarity with case management software, data entry systems, and occasionally state certification in family services is important. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively support families in need. These skills are essential to provide targeted resources, advocacy, and guidance that empower families toward stability and self-sufficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by family development specialists when supporting families, and how can these be addressed?

Family Development Specialists often encounter challenges such as building trust with families, navigating complex social service systems, and addressing diverse cultural or socioeconomic needs. To overcome these challenges, specialists typically focus on establishing strong, respectful relationships and maintaining open communication. They also collaborate closely with other professionals—such as social workers, educators, and healthcare providers—to coordinate support and resources tailored to each family's unique situation. Ongoing professional development and supervision help specialists stay informed about best practices and effective intervention strategies.

What is the difference between Family Development Specialist vs Child Welfare Worker?

AspectFamily Development SpecialistChild Welfare Worker
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field; certifications may be preferredSimilar educational background; often requires state licensure or certification in child welfare
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, family support programs, non-profitsChild protective services, government agencies, foster care systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by social service agencies focusing on family support and developmentUsed by child protective services and child welfare agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in family support and developmentPeople interested in child protection and welfare services

The main difference is that a Family Development Specialist focuses on strengthening family units through support and education, while a Child Welfare Worker primarily works to protect children and ensure their safety within the child welfare system. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but serve different primary functions within social services.

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For Family Development Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Family Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Family Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,341 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Family Development Specialist

Cornerstones of Care

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$39K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position: Family Development Specialist
Salary: $39,000.00 - $44,000.00 annually
(Starting salary depends on education and experience)
Job Type: Full Time (Hybrid)
This position will work out of the St. Louis location and primarily serve families from St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles City, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and the Franklin county area.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Family Development Specialist is responsible for conducting preservice and in-service training for prospective and/or licensed caregivers. Key job duties include completing timely and accurate licensure assessments, adoptive updates and licensure renewals for Relative/Kinship/Foster families. This position will provide ongoing support and ensure licensing policies/regulations are followed through ongoing contacts and quarterly home visits to assigned caseload of families. Specialists have flexibility and autonomy with their schedule as long as the needs of their assigned families are met. Office space is available; however, Specialists typically work out of their own homes when not conducting visits with their families. Come join our amazing team!
QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or other Human Services field along with two (2) years of experience. The preferred candidate will have a Graduate level degree, MSW and a minimum of three (3) of experience. Required knowledge includes State of Missouri laws and policy regarding child abuse and neglect as well as knowledge of the State of Missouri Child Welfare Manual and STARS training curriculum. Knowledge in the use of Genograms, Ecomaps, Loss History Charts and other social work tools is preferred. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal skills and is able to develop and maintain relationships with diverse families and professionals. Must pass background check, physical and drug screening. This position also requires a valid driver's license and proof of current vehicle insurance.
BENEFITS: Cornerstones of Care offers a competitive benefits package, which includes: Paid Holiday, Paid Time Away (unlimited PTO for all benefit eligible team members), medical/dental/vision; prescriptions; accident and critical illness insurance; pet insurance; short-term disability; long-term disability; term life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D); health savings account (HSA); flexible spending account (FSA); retirement (401K); employee assistance program (EAP); YMCA membership discounts; Tuition Reimbursement Program and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. To view a detailed Summary of Benefits please visit our website at www.cornerstonesofcare.org and under the heading "About Us" click on "Join Our Team."
CORNERSTONES OF CARE'S ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENTS:
  • Nonviolence-helping to build safety skills and a commitment to higher purpose
  • Emotional Intelligence-helping to teach emotional management skills
  • Social Learning-helping to build cognitive skills
  • Open Communication-helping to overcome barriers to healthy communication, learn conflict management
  • Democracy-helping to create civic skills of self-control, self-discipline, and administration of healthy authority
  • Social Responsibility-helping to rebuild social connection skills, establish healthy attachment relationships
  • Growth and Change-helping to work through loss and prepare for the future

Questions?
Please contact: Cornerstones of Care, Human Resources Department
300 E. 36th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 913-225-0621 Fax: (816) 508-1757
Like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/cornerstonescareers
Cornerstones of Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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