Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in a position at Lutheran Social Services (LSS). We hope as you learn more about LSS and our mission, that you will become part of our team of over 1,500 employees throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Below is a list of the most common questions that potential employees have. If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please contact us.

• Who is LSS?

• What does LSS do?

• Do I have to be Lutheran to work for LSS?

• Is a bachelor's degree required to work at LSS?

• What benefits does LSS offer to its employees?

• What types of customers does LSS serve?

• Why should I work for LSS?

• Does LSS have internship and volunteer opportunities?

• How is LSS funded?

• Is LSS affiliated with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans?

• How can I get more information about job opportunities in my area?

Who is LSS?

LSS is the social ministry arm of over 800 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Founded in 1882, LSS is one of the largest faith-based human service agencies in the Midwest. We have main offices in Appleton, Eau Claire, LaCrosse, Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wis. In addition, our main office in Upper Michigan is located in Marquette, and we have smaller offices throughout the two-state area. In total, we have over 1,500 employees serving the needs of over 100,000 clients and their families. Our vision is to change the world, one grace-filled life at a time.

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What does LSS do?

LSS provides a variety of compassionate programs and services to individuals and their families in nearly 90 communities throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Our range of services include: adoption and foster care; birth parent services; children and family services; correctional services; counseling to families and individuals; disaster response services; educational programs; family preservation services; home health care and special therapies; older adult services; refugee resettlement services; residential care; services for people with disabilities; support groups; and treatment for alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.

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Do I have to be Lutheran to work for LSS?

LSS employs and serves both Lutheran and non-Lutheran individuals.

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Is a bachelor's degree required to work at LSS?

Our entry-level direct care positions do not require a college degree. These are positions in which staff begin to build their experience base for advanced human service opportunities within LSS and the human services field. LSS does have a number of other positions, which do require a bachelor's degree. However, there are a number of positions within LSS for which a degree may not be required, but preferred. Two to five years of related experience may often serve as an equivalent to a degree.

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What benefits does LSS offer to its employees?

LSS offers a competitive wage and benefit package for staff working at least 30 hours per week. More specifically, our benefit package includes: health, dental and life insurance; paid vacation; personal days and holidays; sick time; an employee assistance program; and a generous retirement plan. In addition, LSS provides a wide variety of personal and professional development opportunities each year. Reduced benefits are also available to part-time employees.

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What types of customers does LSS serve?

LSS staff provide services across the lifespan and across a variety of conditions. Services are available for children and families, adults, older adults and persons with disabilities. Services are open to all, regardless of religious affiliation or background. 

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Why should I work for LSS?

Most new employees start working for LSS because of their desire to help someone. They feel personally connected to our mission - "Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives." We've also learned that staff stay with LSS because of the relationships they build with their clients, co-workers and direct supervisor. In addition, staff tell us that LSS is a place where they feel valued and have an opportunity to directly influence the quality of someone's life on an ongoing basis.

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Does LSS have internship and volunteer opportunities?

LSS does offer a variety of customized internship and volunteer opportunities leading to diverse career experiences. These range from working with our clients to working at an event or in an office setting. If interested in learning more about these opportunities, go to the Careers section of our website for more information.

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How is LSS funded?

LSS receives monies from ELCA congregations, foundations, United Ways, corporations, private contracts and grants, client fees, state and local governments, and countless individual donors.

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Is LSS affiliated with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans?

LSS is a separate, non-profit organization that works in shared ministry with 500,000 Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Lutherans in over 800 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from the church, business community, health care and other sectors in the two-state area.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the largest fraternal benefit society in the United States. Composed of nearly three million members, the organization offers a broad array of financial products and services, as well as charitable programs to Lutherans, their families and their communities.

In sum, LSS and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans are separate organizations, but do work together on various projects to help Lutheran churches, their members and the surrounding communities.

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How can I get more information about job opportunities in my area?

Go to the Careers section of our website for more information.

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