Kinship Services Supervisor

Lutheran Social Service; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

PTO Frontload 24 hours

8 paid holidays

401(k) 3% match

Health/Dental/Vision plans

Life insurance

Career development

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) in Sioux Falls, SD, seeks a Kinship Supervisor to lead a mission-centered team supporting kinship families through Kinship Locator and Navigator programs. You will guide staff, ensure service quality, and uphold standards protecting families and children.

Social work licensure is preferred but not required; LSS supports licensure pursuit. Travel is required to meet families and coordinate services in the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• 1–2 years related experience required.
• Supervision/management experience preferred.
• Licensure as a Social Worker or Social Work Associate preferred.
• Must be 21 years of age and pass background checks.
• Active auto insurance and valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Kinship Locator and Kinship Navigator team members in daily activities.
• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising staff and conducting evaluations.
• Coordinate caseloads to ensure high-quality support for families.
• Engage relatives and build rapport to discuss kinship placement options.
• Travel to meet families, attend meetings, and coordinate services.

Skills

Advanced interviewing

Documentation

Staff supervision

Relationship building

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work

1–2 years related experience

Tools

Electronic health record systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management software

Job description

Are you passionate about promoting safety, stability, and connection for children, youth, and families in South Dakota?

You Belong at Lutheran Social Services

At LSS, we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family. We work alongside families to build on their strengths, connect them with resources, and create lasting support systems that help children and youth thrive.

If you are compassionate, relationship-focused, and enjoy helping families recognize their strengths, we invite you to apply. #YouareLSS

HOURS: Full-Time, 40 hours per week, occasional eve/wkend as needed.

SALARY: Dependent on experience and qualifications.

TRAVEL: Travel is required. Mileage reimbursement.

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
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

As a Kinship Supervisor you will lead a mission‑centered team that strengthens families by ensuring every kinship case receives exceptional support. You will guide staff, maintain service quality, and uphold the standards that protect and empower families across the Kinship Locator and Navigator programs. Social work licensure is preferred but not required. LSS will provide guidance and support to employees interested in obtaining licensure as a Social Worker or Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership to Kinship Locator and Kinship Navigator team members in daily activities and tasks.
• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising staff, including conducting performance evaluations and developing staff growth plans.
• Coordinate caseloads and coverage to ensure all cases receive consistent, high‑quality support, including maintaining a caseload when needed.
• Ensure kinship locator staff initiate outreach to relatives, engage them in conversation, and build rapport to support open discussions about potential child placement options.
• Assist with completing required steps in the locating and navigating processes as needed.
• Evaluate a comprehensive range of factors to connect and support kinship caregivers.
• Travel as required to meet with families, attend meetings, and coordinate services within the community.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Extensive knowledge of social work practices, including advanced interviewing skills and techniques.
• Competent in using electronic health record systems for client records, treatment planning, and progress notes.
• Knowledge of operational systems such as Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling platforms, and case management software.
• Strong proficiency in writing clear, accurate, and comprehensive notes and reports.
• Ensures documentation meets legal, ethical, and organizational requirements.
• Understanding of child abuse and neglect reporting procedures.
• Maintains compliance with state and federal laws and guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, plus one to two years of related experience, is required.
• Previous experience with supervision and management is preferred.
• Licensure as a Social Worker or Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners is preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must successfully complete all agency-required background checks.
• Requires active auto insurance and a valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license, with approved driver status.

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.

*Hiring bonus available to external candidates only.