Kinship Specialist-Foster Care

Are you passionate about helping children and youth connect with family members? 

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

You Belong at Lutheran Social Services #YouareLSS

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.

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 throughout South Dakota but not limited to:
Chamberlain, SD; Lake Andes, SD; Martin, SD; Mitchell, 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: Non-Exempt. Dependent on experience and qualifications. 

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

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Kinship Specialist works with a child’s team to identify, locate, and engage relatives for children in South Dakota DSS/CPS custody. In this position, you will connect with the child, biological parents, DSS/CPS staff, ICWA, and other team members to identify potential placement options or family connections that best meet the child’s needs. You will use various search tools and resources to locate and connect with relative resources. The Kinship Specialist is a valuable member of the LSS Kinship Team and works collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS.

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. 
• 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

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.

If you need accommodations filling out the application, please fill out the following form listing what accommodations are needed at LSS will address comments, questions or concerns.