Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $600

Mileage reimbursement

PTO time frontload

8 paid holidays

401(k) match

Medical plans

Dental and Vision

Life insurance

Career development

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota is seeking a Social Worker-Family Development Specialist to help families become foster or adoptive resources and guide home study assessments. This full-time role supports licensing processes and collaborates with South Dakota DSS/CPS, with mileage reimbursement and potential for a $600 signing bonus for external candidates.

Hospitable team environment, ongoing training, and opportunities to advance within the Licensing Team are offered as part of a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field is required.
• Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Work Associate preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must successfully complete 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 licensing and adoption.
• Partner with families to complete the home study process and provide resources and support.
• Collaborate with the Licensing Team and South Dakota DSS/CPS.

Job description

Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

Full Time Professional

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 $600 Sign on Bonus

We are hiring in multiple South Dakota communities.

Onsite/In-Office Positions Available In:

Aberdeen, SD. and Rapid City, SD. Travel is required. Mileage reimbursement.

Remote/Community-Based Positions Available in Rural Areas Including:

Chamberlain, SD; Lake Andes, SD; Martin, SD; Pierre, SD; Rosebud, SD; White River, SD and Winner, SD. Travel is required. Mileage reimbursement.

HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours, Monday-Friday; occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

SALARY: Dependent on experience and qualifications.

BENEFITS: LSS is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and 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 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.
• Possesses motivation to help create and deliver high-quality client care in an energizing team environment.

Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• 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.

LSS Expectations & Core Values

• 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.