Direct Service Worker, Employment Specialist

Lutheran Social Service; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

PTO frontload up to 24 hours

8 paid holidays

401(k) match

Medical plans with HSA/FSA

Dental and Vision plans

Life insurance

Career development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lutheran Social Service (LSS) in Sioux Falls, SD, seeks a Direct Service Worker, Employment Specialist. This full-time, non-exempt role assists new Americans in securing employment with regular Monday–Friday hours and occasional evenings or weekends; compensation depends on experience.

You will help clients create resumes, apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and navigate the job search process. Travel within the Sioux Falls area and a focus on community engagement are expected, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, plus 1–2 years related experience
• Equivalent combination of some higher education and experience
• Basic computer skills: Outlook, Word, Adobe, Salesforce and Excel
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Willingness to submit to background checks for criminal convictions
• Requires valid auto-insurance and a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one
• Travel is occasionally required; mileage reimbursement

Responsibilities

• Assist New Americans in searching for, applying for, obtaining, and retaining employment.
• Conduct client intake and assessments to identify employment needs and goals.
• Assist clients with resumes, cover letters, applications, interviews, and job search prep.
• Provide mock interviews and coaching on interview etiquette and techniques.
• Offer training with computer use, online job searches, and employment-related tech.
• Help clients navigate community resources and services for employment and integration.
• Provide logistical support to obtain documents and access services.
• Maintain confidential client communication and accurate records.
• Complete paperwork and ensure documents are scanned and stored properly.
• Travel throughout the Sioux Falls area to meet client and program needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Planning/organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Equivalent combination of higher education and experience

Tools

Outlook

Word

Adobe

Salesforce

Excel

Job description

Direct Service Worker, Employment Specialist

Full Time Service Workers Sioux Falls, SD, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 3168

Join a Mission-Driven Team

LSS Center for New Americans seeks a Direct Service Worker to assist new Americans in securing employment.

HOURS:Full-time, 40hours, Monday- Friday. Requires some evening and weekend work.

HOURLY:Non-Exempt.Dependent on experience and qualifications

BENEFITS:LSS is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying 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 only
• PTO Time Frontload Up to 24 Hours for benefit-eligible employees
• 8 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) 3% match
• Four Wellmark BCBS medical plan options with HSA & FSA options
• Dental and Vision plans
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
• Employee Assistance Program

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist New Americans in searching for, applying for, obtaining, and retaining employment that aligns with their skills, experience, education, and career goals.
• Conduct client intake and assessments to identify employment needs and establish short- and long-term goals.
• Assist clients with developing resumes and cover letters, completing job applications, preparing for interviews, and navigating the job search process.
• Provide mock interviews and coaching on interview etiquette, communication, and effective interview techniques.
• Offer training and support with computer use, online job searches, applications, and other employment-related technology.
• Assist clients in navigating community resources and services that support employment, self-sufficiency, and successful community integration.
• Provide logistical support to help newly arrived individuals obtain important documents and access necessary services.
• Maintain professional and confidential communication with clients and maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records.
• Complete required paperwork and ensure documents, receipts, and client records are properly scanned, uploaded, and maintained.
• Travel throughout the Sioux Falls area to meet client and program needs.

Community & Youth Engagement

• Support the LSS relationship with diverse communities throughout Sioux Falls by developing and maintaining positive relationships with community members, resource partners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain opportunities for continued engagement with youth, families, business owners, and community organizations to promote information sharing, support, understanding, and trust.
• Collaborate with community partners and Center for New Americans staff to plan and implement healthy, inclusive, and engaging activities and events that support youth and families.
• Help ensure youth programs are responsive to the needs of Sioux Falls' diverse communities, particularly individuals and families who have arrived in the United States within the past five years.
• Support newly arrived youth in developing connections with peers and becoming integrated into established communities.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and services available to youth and their families and make appropriate referrals.
• Assist youth and families in accessing information and resources related to post-secondary education, GED programs, alternative high school options, extracurricular activities, summer school, employment opportunities, and other educational and social supports.
• Encourage youth to identify and pursue opportunities that support their educational, employment, personal, and social goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, plus one to two years related experience is required.
• Equivalent combination of some higher education and experience.
• Basic computer skills of Outlook, Word, Adobe, Salesforce and Excel. The ability to operate general office equipment (i.e. phone, fax, copy machine, PC) is required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, is required.
• Willingness to submit to record checks to detect criminal convictions of behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, distributing drugs or sex crimes.
• Requires a valid auto-insurance, a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.
• Travel is occasionally required to meet with families, attend meetings, and coordinate services within the community. Travel is required. Mileage reimbursement

LSS Expectations & Core Values

At 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.