Clinical Therapist, Path Services
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.
Job Description
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.
$600 Sign-On Bonus Available!
LSS Path Services seeks a Clinical Therapist with a heart for reducing barriers, so kids, adults and families have access to help and healing related to mental health care. If you are a compassionate individual who is seeking to be part of a clinical team, we invite you to apply. Come join our family-friendly environment. #YouareLSS
HOURS: Full-time, 40hours, Monday- Friday.
SALARY: Dependent on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
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.
- $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, with HSA & FSA options
- Dental and Vision plans
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family
- Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Responsibilities
Clinical Therapists work as members of the LSS team in caring for, supporting, and strengthening individuals, families, and communities. PATH clinicians provide professional mental health services in schools to students in grades kindergarten through 12th in the Sioux Empire United Way area.
They provide advocacy for their clients and their families and work collaboratively with their schools in meeting the needs of their clients. This position provides the opportunity to provide therapeutic services in an outpatient setting for children and teens.
This position is expected to transport program materials and supplies to and from school locations.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related human service field is required.
Candidates may be considered for the following levels, depending on qualifications:
- Clinical Therapist II: Licensed or certified (e. g., CSW, LPC); or certified in an evidence-based practice (e. g., FFT, EMDR, TF-CBT).
- Clinical Therapist III: Licensed at the highest level (e. g., CSW-PIP, LPC-MH, LAC).
A master’s degree may not be required for Clinical Therapist III if highest-level licensure is held.
- Must be able to pass any tests, assessments.
- Must be at least 21 years old and able to complete orientation training according to agency program standards.
- Requires active auto-insurance, a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.
- Must successfully complete all agency background checks, which include checks for criminal convictions, behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, and drug or sex crimes.
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.
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.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Provide professional mental health services to K-12 students within schools in the Sioux Empire United Way area. Collaborate with schools and families to provide advocacy and therapeutic support for children and teens.
Requirements
Requires a Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, with licensure levels varying by therapist grade. Must possess a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and pass comprehensive background checks.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Clinical Therapist, Path Services at Lutheran Social Service a 6.4 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) — ranked against 7,851 active Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 68% are remote, 20% have no call, 68% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for South Dakota is 88.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 58.2% of South Dakota clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 6.4 / 10 · above average in mental health therapy (counseling) | ranked against 7,851 Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | not listed | Mental Health Therapy median $74k (middle half $66k–$86k)306 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost of living | South Dakota index 88.6 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Mental Health Therapy listings in South Dakota | 21 active | 7,907 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 68% remote · 20% no call · 68% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
Location & Logistics
South Dakota has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.
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