Social Worker-Family Development Specialist

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

Onsite/Remote: Position can be located at any of our sites or can be remote based on candidate location. Must reside in South Dakota to be considered for remote.

To apply for this position, click the link LSS of South Dakota Careers https://lsssd.org/careers/

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
• 401(k) 3% match
• Paid time off & holidays
• Four Wellmark BCBS medical plan options, 2025 plans including a comprehensive $1 monthly premium for a $5,000 coinsurance plan (full-time, single coverage)
• Dental and Vision plans with HSA & FSA options
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship

Family Development Specialist

• Assists families in navigating the process to become a foster or adoptive resource.
• In this position you will complete home study assessments for prospective foster and kinship families who are pursuing Foster Care and Kinship licensing and adoption approval.
• You will partner with families to complete the home study process, write the home study assessment, and provide resources and support to families throughout the process.
• You will 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 clients 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:

• 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.

To apply for this position, click the link LSS of South Dakota Careers https://lsssd.org/careers/

External Candidates only eligible for sign on bonus*

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.