Hybrid Foster Care Licensing & 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

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