Makayla Van Vuuren
Pierre,SD
Summary
Experienced Family Services Specialist Supervisor with a background in child welfare, permanency planning, and staff coaching. Skilled in relationship building, critical thinking, and training/developing staff, with a focus on compliance, permanency planning, and improved outcomes for children and families.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Services Specialist Supervisor
DSS, Division of Child Protection
Pierre, SD
11.2021 - Current
- Provided daily leadership coaching and guidance to Family Services Specialists to support consistent, high-quality service delivery for children and families.
- Directed permanency planning work, including reunification, guardianship, or adoption, while keeping children's best interests at center of decisions.
- Reviewed and monitored case progress, ensuring compliance with timelines, legal requirements, and documentation standards.
- Lead training, onboarding, coaching and development for new and existing staff, supporting a skilled and confident workforce.
Family Services Specialist
DSS, Division of Child Protection
Pierre, SD
07.2019 - 11.2021
- Managed a diverse caseload of children with complex needs, ensured timely case plan development, documentation, and permanency-driven decision-making.
- Coordinated adoption recruitment strategies using child‑specific recruitment, family matching, and collaboration with statewide partners.
- Prepared children for permanency through ongoing support, transition planning, and age-appropriate engagement in the adoption process.
- Built strong working relationships with community stakeholders to expand supports and improve outcomes for adoptive families statewide
Social Services Aide
DSS, Division of Child Protection
Pierre, South Dakota
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Transported children and families safely to visits, appointments, placements, and court‑related activities while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Monitored and documented supervised family visits, providing objective observations to support case planning and permanency decisions.
- Built rapport with children and caregivers, offering guidance and support to promote safety, stability, and engagement in services.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Family Studies
University of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE07-2019
Skills
- Team leadership
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
- Clear communication
- Permanency planning
Timeline
Family Services Specialist Supervisor
DSS, Division of Child Protection
11.2021 - Current
Family Services Specialist
DSS, Division of Child Protection
07.2019 - 11.2021
Social Services Aide
DSS, Division of Child Protection
08.2018 - 07.2019
Bachelor of Science - Family Studies
University of Nebraska At Kearney