Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

LSS of South Dakota•Aberdeen, SD

About The Position

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is hiring Family Development Specialists to help children and youth in out-of-home placement connect with family members and support children in finding safe, loving, permanent families. The role assists families as they pursue foster care, kinship licensing, and adoption approval. Specialists complete home study assessments, work with families through the home study process, write assessment reports, and provide resources and support along the way. The position is part of the Licensing Team and works collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS. Positions are available in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls as onsite/in-office roles, and in rural communities 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. LSS describes the work environment as client-focused and team-oriented, with an active, challenging care setting that calls for critical thinking and autonomous professional practice. The organization emphasizes compassionate, appreciative, respectful, ethical, and strategic service.

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.
Travel is required.

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.
Provide resources and support to families throughout the home study process.
Work as a member of the Licensing Team and collaborate with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Benefits

$600 sign-on/hiring bonus for external candidates only; eligibility is described as potential.
PTO time frontload of up to 24 hours for benefit-eligible employees.
Eight paid holidays.
401(k) with a 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.