Residential Counselor​/Worker, Arise Youth Center

Join a Mission-Driven Team

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (LSS) is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of communities across the state. Our mission:
Inspired by God's love, we care for, support, and strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Each year, LSS impacts the lives of South Dakotans over 27,000 times through a diverse range of programs and services. As one of South Dakota’s largest private nonprofit human service agencies, LSS serves individuals of all ages, faiths, races, and economic backgrounds with professional, confidential, and affordable services.

Our values form the foundation of who we are and how we operate. At LSS, we prioritize a whole-person, family-centered approach to care within a continuum of services.

We offer a $600 Sign-On Bonus available!

We seek Residential Counselors and Residential Workers who have a passion for working with justice-involved youth. If you are patient, empathetic, and enjoy a fast-paced work environment where two days are never the same, we encourage you to apply. #WeAreLSS

Full-time and Part-time positions available. Afternoon, evening, overnights, and weekend hours.

Starting wage $16 to $18 per hour; dependent on education and experience.

To apply for this position, visit LSS of South Dakota Careers: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

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.

• 401K Match
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Assistance Program
• $300 part-time hiring bonus

• $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, 2025 plans including a comprehensive $1 monthly premium for a $5,000 coinsurance plan (full-time, single coverage)
• Dental and Vision plans with HSA & FSA options
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Career development opportunities, hands‑on training, and mentorship
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

Provide supervision and support for youth in shelter care and reception center. A qualified applicant will provide direct client care, maintain/model appropriate boundaries, and teach applicable coping and problem‑solving skills. Complete reports and documentation as necessary. Prepare accurate and timely documentation and reports as necessary. Assess client’s needs, and assist them with appropriate services, support, decisions, and plans.

For the Residential Worker position, a high school diploma or GED is preferred, as is experience working with youth. For the Residential Counselor position, a Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science field is preferred; or post‑secondary education and a minimum of one year of experience working with children; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be at least 21 years old and able to complete orientation training according to agency program standards. Must successfully complete all agency background checks, which include checks to detect criminal convictions of behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, and drug or sex crimes. Requires active auto‑insurance, a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain approved driver status.

Arise Youth Center, Alternatives to Detention

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.