Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist

Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist Institution The University of South Dakota Working Title Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist Posting Number

CSA02718P

Department USD-Ctr Prevention of Child Maltreatment Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota is seeking a highly organized and mission-driven Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist to help children in need find safe, supportive foster care homes. In this full-time role, you will work closely with the Department of Social Services and a distributed CPCM team to facilitate placement requests and match children with foster families who meet their needs. You'll use your problem-solving skills, quick judgment, and strong communication to facilitate timely placements, while maintaining detailed documentation and ensuring compliance with all state requirements. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced work environments and finds meaning in supporting vulnerable children and families. You will also help recruit, license, and retain foster care families in South Dakota. As a Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist you will: Coordinate timely and effective foster care placements, ensuring that each child is matched with a home that considers sibling bonds, cultural context, proximity, and special needs. Maintain clear, ongoing communication and strong collaborative relationships with DSS Child Protective Services, DSS Office of Licensing & Accreditation, foster families, and fellow CPCM team members. Assist with recruitment, support, licensure, and retention of foster and potential adoptive families. Accurately track, document, and report licensure and placement-related data, meeting DSS and OLA compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in social work, education, or a related field 1-3 years of related experience Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Experience with social services, family support systems, and office processes and databases is preferred.

This role requires:

Sustained mental focus, rapid response, and excellent organizational skills. Excellent in-person, virtual, and written communication skills Ability to travel frequently in-state and work some evening and weekend hours Ability to work in both an office setting and in a variety of home settings Empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to timely, accurate data management. Flexibility to adjust quickly to shifting tasks and priorities. Join CPCM's collaborative, purpose-driven team and help ensure every child is matched with a home where they can be safe, supported, and thriving. CPCM fosters a work culture grounded in collaboration, continuous learning and improvement, and community impact. Hybrid work options are available. This position offers state health insurance and benefits, which includes a retirement plan with 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and 11 paid holidays. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Apply today and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across South Dakota. Posting Date 06/04/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 06/14/2026 Advertised Salary $23.56 to $26.00 depending upon qualifications and experience. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 40 hrs/wk; some irregular hours required Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other If other, please indicate Some evening hours Department Description and Cultural Expectations The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota is committed to advancing a future where all children and families are safe, supported, and able to thrive. Guided by a prevention‑first approach, CPCM works to strengthen systems, grow workforce capacity, and partner across sectors to reduce the risk and impact of child maltreatment throughout South Dakota. Housed within the University of South Dakota's School of Health Sciences, CPCM serves communities statewide through collaboration with state agencies, community‑based organizations, educators, and families. Our work bridges research, policy, practice, and education to support sustainable, systems‑level change that promotes child and family well‑being. CPCM fosters a work culture rooted in collaboration, learning, and shared purpose. Team members are encouraged to bring both creativity and accountability to their roles, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and transparency. While the work of preventing and responding to child maltreatment can be complex and emotionally demanding, it is firmly anchored in hope, resilience, and the belief that prevention is possible. We value flexibility, open communication, reflective practice, and adaptive problem‑solving. CPCM team members work together to navigate challenges thoughtfully and compassionately, always centered on improving outcomes for children, families, and the professionals who serve them.