Join a Mission-Driven Team

Our values serve as the foundation for who we are and how we operate our business at LSS. We center our teams around our whole-person, family centered approach to care, and continuum of service.

You Belong at Lutheran Social Services

LSS Community Resource Program is seeking a dedicated person to support South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) youth in foster care as they transition to independent adulthood.

This position may be eligible for a $600 Sign on Bonus

HOURS:

Full-time, 40 hours, Monday- Friday; occasional extended hours, as needed.

SALARY:

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 in the event of death
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

RESPONSIBILITIES:

In this role, you will assess individual needs and provide comprehensive case management, life skills training, and direct support with housing, employment, education, and healthcare. Acting as a central liaison, you will collaborate with DSS staff, foster parents, residential facilities, and community partners to develop tailored transition plans and promote youth self-advocacy. Additionally, you will build mentoring opportunities, facilitate youth advocacy group across Western and Southwestern South Dakota, and coordinate impactful regional events including biannual independent living workshops and the annual teen conference in Rapid City to educate youth and equip foster parents with vital resources.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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, within 6 months of employment. 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.

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. https://lsssd.org/contact-us/