Crime Victims' Claims Specialist

Job

Agency:
Department of Public Safety

Location:

Pierre, SD preferred

Salary: $23.56-$24.74 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 09/22/2026

This is a Full-Time Weekly position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

This position is part of the South Dakota Victim Services Program (SDVS) within the Department of Public Safety (DPS). SDVS administers the Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVC), which provides financial assistance to eligible victims, survivors of violent crime for expenses resulting from their victimization. SDVS also oversees state and federal grant funding to subrecipients, primarily nonprofit and governmental organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.

The Crime Victims' Compensation Claims Specialist is responsible for investigating and evaluating claims submitted to the program, gathering and analyzing information and documentation for eligibility in accordance with state law and administrative rules. This position works closely with victims and survivors, law enforcement, medical providers, prosecutors, service providers, and other agencies to obtain information necessary to evaluate claims. The position also contributes to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program by identifying opportunities to improve processes, build efficiencies, strengthen consistency, and enhance the effectiveness of program operations.

This includes assisting with the development, review, and implementation of effective policies, procedures, and practices that support accurate, timely, consistent, and compliant claims processing.

The location of this position is negotiable, with preference for Pierre, SD.

• regular in-state travel;
• conduct investigations and evaluations of Crime Victims' Compensation claims to determine eligibility and compensability in accordance with state statutes, administrative rules, policies, and procedures;
• review and analyze applications, police reports, medical records, bills, insurance information, employment documentation, and other records necessary to evaluate claims;
• develop and provide training and technical assistance;
• communicate with claimants, victims and survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical providers, victim service providers, and other agencies to obtain and verify information necessary to evaluate claims;
• review, approve, or deny claims and eligible expenses and ensure payments are processed accurately and in accordance with program requirements;
• identify missing, conflicting, or insufficient information and conduct appropriate follow-up to obtain necessary documentation or clarification;
• maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential case records and prepare correspondence, investigative findings, and recommendations regarding claims;
• develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, victim service providers, medical providers, and other stakeholders to increase awareness of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program and ensure eligible victims and survivors are informed about available benefits and how to apply;
• develop and provide training, technical assistance, and program information to stakeholders regarding Crime Victims' Compensation eligibility, benefits, application requirements, and procedures;
• participate in stakeholder meetings, work groups, and outreach activities to strengthen awareness of and access to the Crime Victims' Compensation Program;
• evaluate program operations, policies, and processes and identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness, increase efficiency, strengthen consistency, and improve the experience of claimants;
• assist in developing, reviewing, and implementing policies, procedures, forms, and processes to support accurate, timely, consistent, and compliant administration of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program;
• participate in ongoing training related to applicable state and federal requirements, investigative practices, trauma-informed approaches, victim/survivor-centered practices, and Crime Victims' Compensation best practices;
• provide cross-program support to the SDVS grants team, as needed, including assisting with reimbursement reviews, data analysis, development of program guidance and training materials, and other grant administration activities;
• other duties as assigned.

A strong desire to improve programs, processes, and outcomes through thoughtful evaluation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be able to identify opportunities to build efficiencies, develop practical solutions, and contribute to effective policies and procedures. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this role.

Proactive thinking, effective planning,…