Social Worker-Kinship Navigator

Join a Mission-Driven Team

Are you passionate about promoting safety, stability, and connection for children, youth, and families in South Dakota?

You Belong at Lutheran Social Services

Providing a listening ear. Connecting with people. Finding the right resource. Helping children thrive. Does this sound like you?

Becoming a Kinship Navigator might be your calling. We invite you to apply. #YouareLSS

Onsite/In-Office Position Available In:

Aberdeen, SD.; Rapid City, SD. and Sioux Falls, SD. Travel is occasionally required. Mileage reimbursement.

HOURS: Full-time, 40hours, Monday- Friday; occasional evenings and weekends, 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
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Kinship Navigator serves as a statewide resource for relatives and other kinship caregivers raising children who need support, education, and resources. This position works collaboratively with families, LSS staff, and community partners to identify needs, connect families with services, and help navigate the kinship caregiving process.

• Serve as a primary resource for kinship families throughout South Dakota, providing information, guidance, education, and ongoing support.
• Coordinate with families, referral partners, DSS, Tribal Child Protection teams, and community organizations to facilitate access to appropriate services and resources.
• Assess family needs, strengths, and potential barriers to identify appropriate support, referrals, and resources.
• Educate families on child development, parenting strategies, family dynamics, and the unique challenges of kinship caregiving.
• Provide ongoing family support through individual consultations, phone calls, and virtual communication, including assistance with concerns or crisis situations.

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, with in 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 required agency background checks, including checks for criminal convictions involving behavior harmful toward children, spousal abuse, and drug or sex crimes.
• 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.