Job Description
"Are you passionate about promoting safety, stability, and connection for children and youth in South Dakota?"
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 families, ensuring children find the permanency of a "forever family"—a place where they can heal, grow, and reach their full potential.
Our values form the foundation of who we are and how we operate. At LSS, we prioritize a whole-person, family-centered approach to care within a continuum of services.
We are excited to expand our team, LSS is seeking to fill one position in one of the following locations: Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, SD.
$600 Sign-On Bonus Available!
HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm, occ/wkend, on-call as needed
BENEFITS:LSS is committed to supporting employees with benefits designed to promote work-life balance and long-term well-being. Qualifying part-time and full-time employees receive:
- $600 hiring bonus* external candidates only
- 401(k) 3% match
- Paid time off & 8 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
SALARY: $67,000; Dependent on experience and qualifications
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Associate Director will provide oversight and leadership to the regional supervisor/team leads to guarantee quality and excellence in the home study process and placement support for families. The Associate Director will work closely with the Program Director and state partners to provide a consistent, stable process and support system for resource families. The Associate Director ensures program effectiveness by supervising staff, managing operations, and maintaining compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Strong leadership, problem solving, and technical skills are essential to drive program success, support staff development, and uphold the agency’s standards. The Associate Director plays a critical role in carrying out the LSS mission
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, plus four years of related experience, is required.
- Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Worker Associate through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Willingness to submit to record checks to detect criminal convictions of behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, distributing drugs or sex crimes.
- Requires 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
To apply for this position please apply at Current Openings | Recruitment
Please note: As part of our hiring process and to meet accreditation requirements, applicants will be asked to complete a prescreen questionnaire.