Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist

South Dakota Board of Regents; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State health insurance

Retirement plan with 6% matching

10 hours of annual leave each month

9.34 hours of sick leave each month

11 paid holidays

Job summary

The South Dakota Board of Regents seeks a Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist to help children find safe foster care homes. This full-time role involves working with the Department of Social Services and utilizing strong problem-solving and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.

In addition, responsibilities include coordinating foster care placements, maintaining key relationships, and supporting foster family recruitment. Benefits include state health insurance, a retirement plan, and hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of related experience.
• Experience with social services, family support systems, and office processes and databases preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate timely and effective foster care placements, ensuring proper home matches.
• Maintain communication and relationships with DSS and foster families.
• Assist with recruitment and licensure of foster families.
• Accurately track and report data meeting compliance requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in social work, education, or a related field

Job description

Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist

The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota is seeking an 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 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 ideal 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in social work, education, or a related field.
• 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 is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

Hybrid work options are available. This position offers state health insurance and benefits, which include 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.

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.

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take affirmative action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office.