Social Worker Jobs in South Dakota
Social Worker jobs in South Dakota concentrate in child welfare, behavioral health, and medical social work, with demand across public agencies, tribal services, and hospital systems at every level from entry-level caseworker to clinical supervisor. The largest hiring markets are Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, where employers such as Sanford Health, Monument Health, and the South Dakota Department of Social Services maintain consistent openings. School-based, substance use counseling, and family services roles are among the most in-demand specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice- part time
Deer Oaks Behavioral Health — Long-Term Care Clinical Services
Join a mission-driven behavioral health organization that has been a trusted partner to Long-Term Care (LTC) communities for over 30 years. Deer Oaks is a nationally recognized leader in geriatric behavioral health, partnering with thousands of facilities across the country to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
We are seeking a Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) to join our integrated clinical team. In this role, you will work onsite in one or more long-term care facilities within your local community, providing therapy, assessment, care planning, and behavioral health support. This position offers professional autonomy, a predictable Monday–Friday schedule, and robust administrative and clinical support so you can focus on what matters most—helping patients thrive.
What You’ll Do
As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you will:
Clinical Care
- Provide individual, family, and group therapy to LTC residents.
- Conduct clinical assessments, psychosocial evaluations, screenings, and treatment planning.
- Support residents with depression, anxiety, adjustment to illness, grief, trauma, substance use, behavioral disturbances, and other conditions common in LTC settings.
- Deliver behavioral management and brief, goal-oriented interventions aligned with best practices in geriatric care.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with nursing, social services, rehabilitation, and medical providers to coordinate treatment and improve resident outcomes.
- Participate in care plan discussions, facility meetings, and case collaborations as needed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain complete and timely documentation using our Geriatric Notes Tool (GNT).
- Follow ethical, professional, and regulatory guidelines for clinical documentation, confidentiality, and care delivery.
Facility Partnership
- Build strong, professional relationships with facility staff and leadership.
- Serve as a behavioral health resource and trusted partner in supporting residents’ mental and emotional needs.
Why Choose Deer Oaks?
We are a provider-centric organization that takes pride in supporting our clinicians with the tools, training, and benefits they need to succeed.
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible scheduling — create your own Monday–Friday schedule
- No evenings, weekends, or on-call
- Autonomy in organizing your daily workflow and caseload
Professional Growth
- ASWB-accredited CEUs at no cost
- Ongoing clinical support, mentorship, and consultation
- Access to geriatric-specific clinical training and specialty resources
Robust Administrative Support
- Dedicated teams for billing, collections, credentialing, insurance, and scheduling
- HIPAA-compliant documentation system and efficient workflows
- Liability insurance provided (100% company-paid) for full-time and part-time staff
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation model
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full time
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Generous PTO and paid holidays for full time
Who Thrives in this Role?
- CSW-PIPs who value autonomy paired with team collaboration
- Clinicians who enjoy working with older adults and medically complex individuals
- Strong communicators comfortable partnering with facility staff
- Providers who are organized, compassionate, and clinically confident
- Clinicians seeking long-term stability in a supportive environment
What You’ll Need
- Active, unrestricted CSW-PIP license
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team
- Comfortable navigating LTC environments
- Commitment to timely documentation and high-quality care
About Deer Oaks - The Behavioral Health Solution
Focused exclusively on behavioral health in long-term care since 1992, Deer Oaks proudly serves thousands of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities nationwide. Our mission is to enhance the emotional well-being and quality of life of residents through compassionate, clinically excellent behavioral health services.
To learn more about our organization, visit www.deeroaks.com (http://www.deeroaks.com).
or reach out directly to Deena Mullins dmullins@deeroaks.com (mailto:dmullins@deeroaks.com)
or by phone 210-237-6478.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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Find Social Worker JobsSocial Worker Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Worker Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social worker jobs across South Dakota.
- Active South Dakota social work license issued by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Experience working with children, families, or vulnerable adult populations in a professional setting
- Proficiency with case management documentation systems and client record platforms
- Valid South Dakota driver's license and ability to travel to client homes or community sites
- Cleared background check meeting South Dakota Department of Social Services standards
Social Worker Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social worker in South Dakota?
To become a licensed social worker in South Dakota, you must apply through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners and pass the appropriate ASWB examination for your credential level. The board offers four tiers: Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker, and Licensed Certified Social Work Manager. A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program qualifies you for the associate or LSW level, while an MSW is required for clinical licensure.
Which companies hire social workers in South Dakota?
Companies currently hiring social workers in South Dakota include Avera Health, Sanford Health, and Brookings Health System, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. State agencies, tribal health programs, and regional hospital systems like Sanford Health and Monument Health are among the most consistent sources of openings across the state.
Which South Dakota cities have the most social worker jobs?
Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Pierre have the most social worker openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls leads as the state's largest city and home to Sanford Health's flagship campus, while Rapid City's concentration of Monument Health facilities and tribal service agencies in the western region drives demand there, and Aberdeen's role as a regional hub for state agency offices supports ongoing openings in that market.
How can I get hired as a social worker in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a Social Work Associate or Social Services Specialist position with the South Dakota Department of Social Services, which hires new graduates into structured caseload roles across its regional offices in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre. Sanford Health's case management and patient navigator openings also serve as strong entry points for BSW graduates. Completing your South Dakota Social Work Associate registration before applying gives you a clear credential advantage over unlicensed candidates.
Where can I find and apply to social worker jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to social worker jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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