Family Services Specialist

Job Details

• Job
• Agency:
  Department of Social Services – Division of Child Protection Services
• Location:
  
  Yankton, SD
• Salary: $26.62 hourly + depending on qualifications
• Pay Grade: I
• Closing Date: open until filled

This is a Full‑Time position with the Department of Social Services. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Protecting Children…Strengthening Families…. Preserving Futures. The Division of Child Protection Services impacts children and families’ lives every day by assessing safety, providing intervention, and securing stability for children.

As a child protection worker, you will assess families from diverse backgrounds alleged to have maltreated their children. You will analyze danger threats, provide intervention services, manage safety plans, work with the court system, testify when children are placed in state custody, find foster and adoptive homes, recommend placements, monitor children in out‑of‑home care, create case plans, assess resource family needs, locate relatives for placement resources, and respond to emergencies on a 24‑hour basis.

Duties are performed in a variety of settings ranging from departmental offices to client homes and courtrooms. The role may involve high‑level stress, emotional situations, exposure to physical danger and contagious diseases, and may require flexible scheduling, including evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and overnight travel. A valid driver’s license is required, and the position involves lifting up to 30 pounds.

A bachelor’s degree in a human services‑related field is preferred; relevant experience may be considered.

• Understanding of cultural, developmental, family connection, and dynamics theories and their impact on children and parents.
• Knowledge of the needs and potential sources of conflict for children in placement and appropriate placement resources.
• Understanding of the impact of separation on children involuntarily removed from their families.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative relationships with compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact.
• Active listening, information elicitation, and effective communication of information.
• Proficiency with computerized data systems.
• Skill to prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Data gathering and analysis, logical reasoning, problem‑solving using common sense, reasoning, and resourcefulness.
• Initiative with minimal supervision.
• Observational skills to assess situations correctly.

To be considered, please attach your resume.

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

Successful applicants will undergo a background investigation, abuse, and neglect screening. The state does not sponsor work visas. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9, and participate in E‑Verify.

The State of South Dakota offers zero‑premium employee health insurance plus 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.

Must apply online:  Email resumes or other submissions are not accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone:
Email: careers.us

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

Application and hiring processes are conducted in compliance with South Dakota law.