Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist

University of South Dakota; Vermillion (SD); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State health insurance

Retirement plan with 6% matching

Annual leave and sick leave

Job summary

The University of South Dakota's Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) is seeking a Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist in Rapid City. The role partners with the Department of Social Services and a distributed CPCM team to match children with suitable foster families and ensure timely placements while maintaining compliant documentation.

The ideal candidate holds an undergraduate degree in a human services field, 1–3 years of related experience, strong organizational

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, or 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate timely foster care placements considering sibling bonds, culture, proximity, and needs.
• Maintain communication with DSS, licensing, foster families, and CPCM teammates.
• Assist with recruitment, licensure, and retention of foster/adoptive families.
• Track and report licensure and placement data to meet DSS and OLA requirements.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Empathy

Adaptability

Education

Undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, or related fields

Tools

Office processes and databases

Job description

University of South Dakota

Posting Number: CSA02718P

Department: USD-Ctr Prevention of Child Maltreatment

Physical Location of Position (City): Rapid City

Job Description

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.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled, First Consideration Date: 10/12/2026

Advertised Salary: $23.56 to $26.00 depending upon qualifications and experience.

Duration of the Term: 12 months

Appointment Percent: 100

Work Hours: 40 hrs/wk; some irregular hours required

Appointment Type: Regular

Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)

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.