Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Rapid City (MI); Hybrid; USD 67,502,000 - 74,528,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State health insurance

Retirement plan with 6% match

10 hours annual leave per month

9.34 hours of sick leave per month

11 paid holidays

Job summary

The University of South Dakota Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment seeks a Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist to match children with suitable foster homes. You will coordinate placements, work with DSS, and ensure compliant documentation while supporting recruitment and licensure of foster families.

This full-time role may require in-state travel, some evening/weekend hours, and a hybrid work arrangement with state health benefits and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, or other human service fields.
• 1–3 years of related experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with social services, family support systems, and office processes/databases.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate timely foster care placements ensuring sibling bonds and needs are met.
• Maintain clear communication with DSS and CPCM team; foster families and partners.
• Assist with recruitment, licensure, and retention of foster/adoptive families.
• Accurately track and report licensure and placement data to meet DSS/OLA requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Travel within state

Adaptability

Empathy

Education

Undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, or related human services field

Tools

Office processes and databases

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution The University of South Dakota Working Title Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist Posting Number CSA02718P Department USD-Ctr Prevention of Child Maltreatment Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text

The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota is seeking a highly organized and mission-driven Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist to help children in need find safe, supportive foster care homes.

In this full-time role, you will work closely with the Department of Social Services and a distributed CPCM team to facilitate placement requests and match children with foster families who meet their needs. You’ll use your problem-solving skills, quick judgment, and strong communication to facilitate timely placements, while maintaining detailed documentation and ensuring compliance with all state requirements. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced work environments and finds meaning in supporting vulnerable children and families. You will also help recruit, license, and retain foster care families in South Dakota.

As a Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist you will:

• Coordinate timely and effective foster care placements, ensuring that each child is matched with a home that considers sibling bonds, cultural context, proximity, and special needs.
• Maintain clear, ongoing communication and strong collaborative relationships with DSS Child Protective Services, DSS Office of Licensing & Accreditation, foster families, and fellow CPCM team members.
• Assist with recruitment, support, licensure, and retention of foster and potential adoptive families.
• Accurately track, document, and report licensure and placement-related data, meeting DSS and OLA compliance requirements.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, or other human service-related fields
• 1-3 years of related experience
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with social services, family support systems, and office processes and databases
  
  

This Role Requires

• Sustained mental focus, rapid response, and excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent in-person, virtual, and written communication skills
• Ability to travel frequently in-state and work some evening and weekend hours
• Ability to work in both an office setting and in a variety of home settings
• Empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to timely, accurate data management.
• Flexibility to adjust quickly to shifting tasks and priorities.
  
  

Join CPCM’s collaborative, purpose-driven team and help ensure every child is matched with a home where they can be safe, supported, and thriving. CPCM fosters a work culture grounded in collaboration, continuous learning and improvement, and community impact. Hybrid work options are available.

This position offers state health insurance and benefits, which includes a retirement plan with 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and 11 paid holidays.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Apply today and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across South Dakota.

Posting Date 09/22/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 10/12/2026 Advertised Salary $23.56 to $26.00 depending upon qualifications and experience. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours

40 hrs/wk; some irregular hours required

Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other If other, please indicate Some evening hours Department Description and Cultural Expectations

The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota is committed to advancing a future where all children and families are safe, supported, and able to thrive. Guided by a prevention‑first approach, CPCM works to strengthen systems, grow workforce capacity, and partner across sectors to reduce the risk and impact of child maltreatment throughout South Dakota.

Housed within the University of South Dakota’s School of Health Sciences, CPCM serves communities statewide through collaboration with state agencies, community‑based organizations, educators, and families. Our work bridges research, policy, practice, and education to support sustainable, systems‑level change that promotes child and family well‑being.

CPCM fosters a work culture rooted in collaboration, learning, and shared purpose. Team members are encouraged to bring both creativity and accountability to their roles, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and transparency. While the work of preventing and responding to child maltreatment can be complex and emotionally demanding, it is firmly anchored in hope, resilience, and the belief that prevention is possible. We value flexibility, open communication, reflective practice, and adaptive problem‑solving. CPCM team members work together to navigate challenges thoughtfully and compassionately, always centered on improving outcomes for children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-fast, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Stairs, Crouching, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting light, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Squatting, Standing for sustained periods of time, Walking Describe any of the conditions selected

Physical requirements for this position include the physical abilities needed to safely and effectively perform the job’s essential duties. The position requires the ability to travel/drive and conduct onsite home visits and inspections in a variety of environments. The individual in this role will need to communicate effectively in person and on the phone, and read, review and complete written documentation and case notes.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below) If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

A variety of home environments will be encountered during this position.

Supplemental Questions

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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Other
• Reference List