Direct Service Worker, Employment Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

PTO Time Frontload Up to 24 Hours

8 Paid Holidays

401(k) 3% match

BCBS medical plans with HSA & FSA

Dental and Vision plans

Life insurance

Career development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (LSS) Center for New Americans is hiring a Direct Service Worker in Sioux Falls, SD. You will assist new Americans with employment search, applications, resumes, and interview prep, while providing coaching and resource navigation.

This is a full-time, non-exempt role requiring some evenings and weekends. Travel within the Sioux Falls area may be needed to meet client and program needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field plus 1–2 years of related experience required.
• Equivalent combination of higher education and experience accepted.
• Basic computer skills: Outlook, Word, Adobe, Salesforce and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist New Americans in searching for, applying for, obtaining, and retaining employment that aligns with their skills and goals.
• Conduct client intake and assessments to identify employment needs and goals.
• Assist clients with resumes, cover letters, job applications, interviews, and navigating the job search process.
• Provide mock interviews and coaching on interview etiquette and techniques.
• Offer training with computer use and online job searches.

Skills

Bilingual skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Outlook

Word

Adobe

Job description

Join a Mission-Driven Team

LSS Center for New Americans seeks a Direct Service Worker to assist new Americans in securing employment. If you enjoy engaging with diverse cultures and have a passion for your community, we invite you to apply! #YouareLSS

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

HOURLY: Non-Exempt.Dependent on experience and qualifications

LOCATION: 300 E 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

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:

Employment & Client Support

• 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: Bi-lingual skills strongly preferred but not required.

• 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.