Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

LSS of South Dakota • White River, SD

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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 assists families in navigating the foster or adoptive resource process, completes home study assessments, partners with families to prepare assessments, and provides resources and support throughout the process. The specialist works as part of the Licensing Team and collaborates with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Positions are available in Aberdeen 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, with mileage reimbursement. The schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Salary depends on experience and qualifications. A $600 sign-on bonus may be available to external candidates.

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.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must 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 and write the home study assessment.
• Provide resources and support to families throughout the home study process.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the Licensing Team with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Benefits

• $600 sign-on bonus for eligible external candidates.
• PTO time frontload of 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