Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

Lutheran-Social-Services-of-South-Dakot; Lake Andes (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

PTO frontload

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Health plans with HSA/FSA options

Dental and Vision plans

Life insurance

Career development

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota is hiring a Family Development Specialist to guide foster and kinship families through licensing and home studies, partnering with families to complete assessments and connect them with resources. You will collaborate with SD DSS/CPS and support adoptive families in achieving permanency.

The role requires licensure eligibility, a bachelor’s in social work or related field, and a valid driver’s license, with opportunities for professional growth,

Qualifications

• 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 required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must successfully complete all agency background checks.
• Requires valid driver’s license and ability to obtain approved driver status.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Driver's license

Client-focused care

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Work Associate

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 $600 Sign on Bonus

We are hiring in multiple South Dakota communities.

Onsite/In-Office Positions Available In:

Aberdeen, SD, Rapid City, SD and Sioux Falls, 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, 40hours, 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.
• 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 required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, is required.
• Must successfully complete all agency background checks, is required.
• Requires valid driver’s license and ability to obtain approved driver status, is required.

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.

External Candidates only eligible for sign on bonus*