Social Worker-Family Development Specialist
About The Position
Lutheran Social Services is hiring a Family Development Specialist to help children and youth in out-of-home placement connect with family members and support families pursuing foster care, kinship licensing, and adoption approval. The role helps families navigate the process and supports the goal of finding children safe, loving, and nurturing permanent families. Positions are available in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as onsite/in-office roles, and in rural communities including Chamberlain, Lake Andes, Martin, Pierre, Rosebud, White River, and Winner as remote/community-based roles. Travel is required, and mileage is reimbursed. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Salary depends on experience and qualifications. A $600 hiring bonus is available to external candidates.
Requirements
- Possess or be eligible to obtain licensure as a Social Worker or Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners; obtaining and maintaining licensure is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, plus one to two years of related experience.
- Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
- At least 21 years of age.
- Successfully complete all agency background checks.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain approved driver status.
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 home study assessments, and provide resources and support throughout the process.
- Work as a member of the Licensing Team and collaborate with South Dakota DSS/CPS.
Benefits
- $600 hiring bonus for external candidates
- PTO time frontload up to 24 hours for benefit-eligible employees
- Eight paid holidays
- 401(k) with 3% match
- Four Wellmark BCBS medical plan options, with HSA and FSA options
- Dental and vision plans
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
