Family Services Specialist Supervisor

Job

Agency:
Department of Social Services - Division of Child Protection Services

Location:

Rapid City

Salary: $33.43 hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: I

Closing Date: 06.19.26

This is a Full‑Time position with the Department of Social Services. The Division of Child Protection Services impacts children and families’ lives every day by assessing safety, providing intervention, and securing stability for children.

This position supervises a unit of Family Services Specialists and support staff. Duties include training, development, and performance management of staff; providing program quality assurance and improvement to maintain and enhance operational effectiveness; implementing policies and procedures for multiple activities/programs; oversight of multiple programs including adoptions, independent living services, protective services, and alternative care; and developing and maintaining public relations with communities to foster working partnerships, resolve complaints, respond to inquiries from the public, and educate the public about program services available.

Responsibilities are performed in a variety of settings ranging from departmental offices to client homes to courtrooms. Applicants may encounter high‑level stress and emotional situations, strong differences of opinion, and exposure to physical danger and contagious diseases. This role requires lifting up to 30 pounds. Flexible scheduling—including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends—may be needed, as may overnight travel. A valid driver's license is required.

Crisis or case situations can occur at any time and may require evening and weekend responses.

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, or another child welfare related field (preferred).

• Understanding of theories and concepts related to culture, child development, family connections and dynamics, and their influence on child and parental relationships and behavior.
• Knowledge of child safety, abuse and neglect, and the impact of separation on children removed from their families (preferred).
• Supervisory principles and practices (preferred).
• Ability to establish, build, and maintain cooperative and productive relationships internally and externally; demonstrating compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, keeping appropriate parties informed.
• Proficiency in utilizing a computerized data system.
• Ability to make difficult decisions and assume accountability for actions and results.
• Data gathering and analysis to identify problems or potential problems, and developing and implementing appropriate resolutions.
• Capacity to effectively plan and organize work activities, adapt to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Recognition of individual strengths and weaknesses, building, leading, and motivating teams committed to a common goal.
• Adaptability to changing policies and procedures.
• Establishment of workloads, deadlines, and performance objectives; following up to ensure proper completion of outcomes and expectations (preferred).

To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation and an abuse and neglect screening.

All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9. The State of South Dakota uses E‑Verify upon hire.

Benefits include $0 premium employee health insurance, eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

‘An Equal Opportunity Employer’