Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

LSS of South Dakota • Pine Ridge, SD

4d

About The Position

Lutheran Social Services is hiring a Family Development Specialist to help families navigate becoming foster or adoptive resources and to support children in out-of-home placement in connecting with family members. The role includes completing home study assessments for prospective foster and kinship families pursuing foster care and kinship licensing and adoption approval. The specialist partners with families through the home study process, writes assessment reports, and provides resources and support throughout. The position is part of the Licensing Team and involves collaboration with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Onsite/in-office positions are available in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Remote/community-based positions are available in rural areas including Chamberlain, Lake Andes, Martin, Pierre, Rosebud, White River, and Winner, South Dakota. Travel is required, with mileage reimbursement. The schedule is full-time, 40 hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Salary depends on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a 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.
• 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 foster or adoptive resources.
• 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.
• Work collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS as a member of the Licensing Team.

Benefits

• $600 hiring bonus for external candidates only.
• 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.
• Mileage reimbursement for required travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level