Social Worker

Family Development SpecialistAre you passionate about helping children and youth in out-of-home placement connect with family members?If so, this position might be a great fit for you. You belong at Lutheran Social Services.We believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family. Our priority is to support and empower adoptive families, ensuring children find the permanency of a forever family—a place where they can heal, grow, and reach their full potential.This position may be eligible for a $600 sign on bonus.We are hiring in multiple South Dakota communities. Onsite/In-office positions available in: Aberdeen, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. Travel is required. Mileage reimbursement.Remote/Community-based positions available in rural areas including: Chamberlain, SD; Lake Andes, SD; Martin, SD; Pierre, SD; Rosebud, SD; White River, SD and Winner, SD. Travel is required. Mileage reimbursement.Hours: Full-time, 40 hours, Monday-Friday; occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.Salary: Dependent on experience and qualifications.Benefits: LSS is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and full-time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.$600 hiring bonus* external candidates onlyPTO Time Frontload Up to 24 Hours for benefit-eligible employees8 Paid Holidays401(k) 3% matchFour Wellmark BCBS medical plan options, with HSA & FSA optionsDental and Vision plansEmployer paid life insurance to provide support for your familyCareer development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorshipFederal Public Service Loan Forgiveness EligibilityAs a Family Development Specialist, you will:Assist families in navigating the process to become a foster or adoptive resource.Complete home study assessments for prospective foster and kinship families who are 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 to families throughout the process.Be a valuable member of the Licensing Team and work collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS.You will enjoy this setting if you are someone that:Enjoys client focused care with a team that is dedicated to quality outcomes.Likes working with the Children and/or Adult population.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.Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience: Candidates must 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 a requirement of this position. Guidance through the licensure process will be provided by Lutheran Social Services.Bachelor's degree in social work or related field, plus one to two years related experience is required.Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners is preferred.Must be at least 21 years of age, is required.Must successfully complete all agency background checks, is required.Requires active auto-insurance, a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.LSS Expectations & Core ValuesAt LSS, we are committed to upholding the following values in all aspects of our work:Compassionate – We engage with empathy and provide non-judgmental services. Appreciative – We recognize and develop the strengths of our clients and employees. Respectful – We build professional and collaborative relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues. Ethical – We uphold high standards of integrity and quality in all actions. Strategic – We anticipate and respond proactively to community needs.LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.Please note: As part of our hiring process and to meet accreditation requirements, applicants will be asked to complete a prescreen questionnaire.*Hiring bonus available to external candidates only.If you need accommodations filling out the application, please fill out the following form listing what accommodations are needed at LSS will address comments, questions or concerns.