Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

Lutheran Social Service • Rapid City, SD

124d

About The Position

This position is focused on helping children and youth in out-of-home placement connect with family members. The role is part of Lutheran Social Services, which prioritizes supporting and empowering adoptive families to ensure children find a permanent 'forever family' where they can heal, grow, and reach their full potential. The position may be eligible for a $600 sign-on bonus and can be located at any of the organization's sites or can be remote based on the candidate's location. The job is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work from Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• One to two years of related experience.
• Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must successfully complete all agency background checks.
• Requires active auto-insurance and a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.

Nice To Haves

• Enjoys client-focused care with a team dedicated to quality outcomes.
• Likes working with children and/or adult populations.
• Appreciates an active, challenging care environment that requires critical thinking.
• Values autonomous professional practice.
• Possesses motivation to help create and deliver high-quality client care in an energizing team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist families in navigating the process to become a foster or adoptive resource.
• Complete home study assessments for prospective foster and kinship families pursuing Foster Care and Kinship licensing and adoption approval.
• Partner with families to complete the home study process, write the home study assessment, and provide resources and support throughout the process.
• Collaborate with the Licensing Team and work with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Benefits

• $600 hiring bonus for external candidates only.
• PTO Time Frontload Up to 24 Hours for benefit-eligible employees.
• 8 Paid Holidays.
• 401(k) with 3% match.
• Four Wellmark BCBS medical plan options, including a comprehensive $1 monthly premium for a $5,000 coinsurance plan (full-time, single coverage).
• Dental and Vision plans with HSA & FSA options.
• Employer paid life insurance.
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree