Explore a Career with LSS of South Dakota

"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.

At LSS, we prioritize a whole-person, family-centered approach to care within a continuum of services.

To apply for this Internship, click the link LSS of South Dakota Careers https://lsssd.org/careers/

TITLE: (SW) Family Development Specialist- Intern

LOCATION: In person, Rapid City, SD Watertown, SD or Sioux Falls, SD

STATUS: Full-time or Part-time, depending on availability

HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm, occ/wkend depending on school schedule

SALARY: Hourly, can be Unpaid if School Internship Program requires it

BENEFITS: LSS is committed to supporting employees with benefits designed to promote work-life balance and long-term well-being.

• 401(k) 3% match-eligible for Interns
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

Who You Are

• You’re enthusiastic about social work, family support, or youth services.
• You’re eager to learn, participate, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of children and families.
• You embody integrity, accountability, and a commitment to building stronger communities.
• You’re flexible and willing to work collaboratively within a team setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support to the Family Development Specialist in completing the inquiry and home study process.
• Assist team members in delivering direct service and supports for children, youth, and families.
• The Specialist intern works directly with the Specialist and their assigned families who have begun the licensure process
• Help with record-keeping, scheduling, and documentation aligned with LSS’s mission and values.
• Support the team in promoting the organization’s values of compassion, respect, and strategic care.
• Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic human-services environment, either full-time or part-time.
• They will assist in managing required paperwork through the inquiry and licensure process, completing background checks, and completing portions of the family home study under supervision. This role requires excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as a strong commitment to helping others

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED, is required.
• Pursing a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in social work or related field, is required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.?
• 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.

Why LSS?
Join one of South Dakota’s largest, most comprehensive nonprofit human-services organizations.
Be part of a mission driven by impact: last year LSS impacted tens of thousands of South Dakotans across a diverse range of services.
Grow professionally through meaningful work, mentorship, and a culture of support.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in youth/family services and why you believe you’d be a great fit for LSS.

To apply for this Internship, click the link LSS of South Dakota Careers https://lsssd.org/careers/

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.

Please note: As part of our hiring process and to meet accreditation requirements, applicants will be asked to complete a prescreen questionnaire.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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.