Adoption and Permanency Family Services Specialist
Adoption and Permanency Family Services Specialist
Posted on :
31-08-2025
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1 Vacancy
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Monthly Salary
Not Disclosed
Salary Not Disclosed
Vacancy
1 Vacancy
Posted on :
31-08-2025
Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 32583
Agency: Social Services - Division of Child Protection
Location: Rapid City Spearfish Sturgis SD
Salary: $26.62 Hourly depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 09/10/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services please visit .
Are you passionate about helping children find safe permanent and loving homes Do you have the empathy resilience and organizational skills to support youth through transitions like adoption guardianship or preparing to live independently
As an Adoption & Permanency Specialist you will walk alongside children and youth after a determination is made they cannot return home ensuring their needs are met as they move toward a permanent family connection or adulthood. This is a deeply impactful role focused on healing stability and long-term well-being.
In this essential role you will:
Working Conditions:
Duties are performed in diverse settings including departmental offices foster or adoptive homes client homes and courtrooms. This position works closely with children and youth who have experienced trauma loss and instability due to abuse neglect or the loss of parental rights. Staff should be prepared to engage in emotionally sensitive conversations with children caregivers and families navigating adoption guardianship or independent living.
The position requires lifting up to 30 pounds safely and the ability to navigate varied home environments including those that may present health or safety risks. Situations may involve exposure to illness volatile behavior or environments where mental health and substance use challenges are present. Support training and safety protocols are in place to help staff manage these situations. Some travel is required including potential overnight stays and a valid drivers license is necessary. This role covers a multi-county service area and occasionally requires out of state travel.
Our team works a typical Monday-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However due to the nature of child welfare work flexibility is sometimes necessary.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Additional Requirements: To be considered please attach your resume.
This position is eligible for Veterans Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays generous vacation and sick leave accrual dental vision and other insurance options and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online:
You must apply online emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email:
An Equal Opportunity Employer
#LI-Onsite
Job ID: 32583
Agency: Social Services - Division of Child Protection
Location: Rapid City Spearfish Sturgis SD
Salary: $26.62 Hourly depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 09/10/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services please visit .
Are you passionate about helping children find safe permanent and loving homes Do you have the empathy resilience and organizational skills to support youth through transitions like adoption guardianship or preparing to live independently
As an Adoption & Permanency Specialist you will walk alongside children and youth after a determination is made they cannot return home ensuring their needs are met as they move toward a permanent family connection or adulthood. This is a deeply impactful role focused on healing stability and long-term well-being.
In this essential role you will:
- Work with children and youth after reunification is no longer an option to find other permanent living arrangements including adoption guardianship or long-term foster care.
- Support older youth as they transition to adulthood including identifying independent living resources and preparing for self-sufficiency.
- Search for and assess potential adoptive families or guardians ensuring they are prepared and supported throughout the placement process.
- Coordinate services and supports for children with complex trauma histories developmental needs or medical considerations.
- Maintain regular home visits with children ensuring their voice is heard and their placement remains safe and appropriate.
- Develop individualized permanency plans and transition goals tailored to each childs unique needs and circumstances.
- Collaborate with courts attorneys tribes foster parents and community partners to advocate for the childs best interests.
- Complete required documentation and case planning in accordance with agency and state guidelines.
- Respond (when on call) to active abuse and neglect crisis situations that may involve removal of children from the home.
- Testify in court when necessary to support permanency recommendations.
Working Conditions:
Duties are performed in diverse settings including departmental offices foster or adoptive homes client homes and courtrooms. This position works closely with children and youth who have experienced trauma loss and instability due to abuse neglect or the loss of parental rights. Staff should be prepared to engage in emotionally sensitive conversations with children caregivers and families navigating adoption guardianship or independent living.
The position requires lifting up to 30 pounds safely and the ability to navigate varied home environments including those that may present health or safety risks. Situations may involve exposure to illness volatile behavior or environments where mental health and substance use challenges are present. Support training and safety protocols are in place to help staff manage these situations. Some travel is required including potential overnight stays and a valid drivers license is necessary. This role covers a multi-county service area and occasionally requires out of state travel.
Our team works a typical Monday-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However due to the nature of child welfare work flexibility is sometimes necessary.
- Staff occasionally respond to after-hours needs including evenings or weekends when on an on-call rotation.
- Some cases may require adjusted work hours to accommodate caregiver availability youth schedules or long-distance travel for child visits and placement support.
- We offer flexibility to adjust your schedule when after-hours work occurs helping staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- a bachelors degree in a human service-related field is preferred. OR relevant experience may be considered.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- knowledge of theories and concepts related to culture child development trauma addiction family connections and family dynamics and their influence on child and parental relationships;
- are decisive thoughtful and calm under pressure;
- can build trust with families while asking difficult and sensitive questions.
- write clear factual reports and communicate effectively with families and professionals;
- work well both independently and as part of a team;
- manage time efficiently while handling urgent high-stakes responsibilities;
- are comfortable navigating unfamiliar homes and communities to meet families where they are;
- are resilient and self-aware with strategies to manage stress and secondary trauma.
Additional Requirements: To be considered please attach your resume.
This position is eligible for Veterans Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays generous vacation and sick leave accrual dental vision and other insurance options and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online:
You must apply online emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email:
An Equal Opportunity Employer
#LI-Onsite
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full Time
Key Skills
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