Part-time Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota; Faith (SD); Remote; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

401(k) match

Career development & mentorship

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota is seeking a Family Development Specialist to help families pursue foster care and adoption paths. You will guide home studies, collaborate with licensing teams, and connect families with resources and support throughout licensing.

The role emphasizes client-focused care, teamwork, and critical thinking in a compassionate, empowering setting. Part-time hours and local travel within South Dakota are involved.

Qualifications

• Must possess or be eligible to obtain licensure as a Social Worker or Social Work Associate.
• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field plus one to two years related experience is required.
• Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Work Associate through the SD Board of Social Work Examiners is preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and pass all agency background checks.

Responsibilities

• Assist families in navigating the process to become a foster or adoptive resource.
• Complete home study assessments for prospective foster and kinship families pursuing Foster Care and Kinship licensing and adoption approval.
• Partner with families to complete the home study process, write the home study assessment, and provide resources and support throughout the process.
• Be a valuable member of the Licensing Team and work collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Skills

Client-focused care

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Autonomous practice

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Licensure as Social Worker or Social Work Associate preferred

Job description

Are you passionate about helping children and youth in out-of-home placement connect with family members?

If so, this position might be a great fit for you! #YouareLSS

You Belong at Lutheran Social Services

We believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family. Our priority is to support and empower adoptive families, ensuring children find the permanency of a 'forever family'—a place where they can heal, grow, and reach their full potential.

This position may be eligible for a $300 Sign on Bonus

We are hiring in multiple South Dakota communities.

This remote/community-based position may be filled by candidates residing within 20 miles of the following locations:

Belle Fourche, SD; Chamberlain, SD; Eagle Butte, SD; Faith, SD; Lake Andes, SD; Martin, SD; Mission, SD; Mitchell, SD; Murdo, SD; Pierre, SD; Rapid City, SD; Rosebud, SD; Spearfish, SD; White River, SD; or Winner, SD.

Regular travel is required. Employees are eligible for mileage reimbursement in accordance with company policy.

HOURS:

Part-time, 0-29 hours, Monday- Friday; occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

SALARY:

$24.00–$25.96 per hour, non-exempt. Rate is dependent on experience and qualifications, with potential for a higher rate for highly qualified candidates.

PERKS: LSS is proud to support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives.

• $300 hiring bonus* external candidates only
• 401(k) 3% match
• Career development opportunities, hands‑on training, and mentorship

As a Family Development Specialist, you will:

• Assist families in navigating the process to become a foster or adoptive resource.
• Complete home study assessments for prospective foster and kinship families who are pursuing Foster Care and Kinship licensing and adoption approval.
• Partner with families to complete the home study process, write the home study assessment, and provide resources and support to families throughout the process.
• Be a valuable member of the Licensing Team and work collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

You will enjoy this setting if you are someone that:

• Enjoys client focused care with a team that is dedicated to quality outcomes.
• Likes working with the Children and/or Adult population.
• Appreciates an active, challenging care environment that requires critical thinking.
• Values autonomous professional practice.
• Possesses motivation to help create and deliver high-quality client care in an energizing team environment.

Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

Candidates must possess or be eligible to obtain licensure as a Social Worker or Social Work Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. Obtaining and maintaining licensure is a requirement of this position. Guidance through the licensure process will be provided by Lutheran Social Services.

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

External Candidates only eligible for sign on bonus*

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.