Kinship Specialist – Foster Care

LSS of South Dakota

Kinship Specialist working to connect children in DSS/CPS custody with family resources at Lutheran Social Services. Engaging with various stakeholders to ensure children's needs are met through family connections.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeSioux Falls • South Dakota • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in engaging with children and families in the context of child welfare, utilizing effective communication and collaboration skills to identify and connect with relatives for placement options. Proficient in using search tools and resources to locate family connections that meet the needs of children in custody.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In Social WorkChild Welfare ExperienceCollaboration With DSS/CPSBackground Check ComplianceValid Driver's License

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Search ToolsResource Identification

Industry Keywords

DSSCPSICWARelative ResourcesPlacement Options

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Kinship Locator works with a child’s team to identify, locate, and engage relatives for children in South Dakota DSS/CPS custody
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
Use various search tools and resources to locate and connect with relative resources
Work collaboratively with South Dakota DSS/CPS

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
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
Requires a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.

Benefits

Comp & perks

$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