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Human Services Program Specialist II

South Dakota State Government

Pierre, SD

Posted/Updated: Today

Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 36452
Agency: Department of Human Services - Division of Long Term Services and Supports
Location:StatewideSalary: $70,672.57 Annual Salary
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 7/7/26

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Human Services - Division of Long Term Services and Supports. For more information on the Department of Human Services, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss .

The South Dakota Department of Human Services encompasses a broad field dedicated to offering services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Our programs promote independence and inclusion through person-centered services. DHS comes together with the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans.

DHS strives to create an environment where people are inspired and challenged to create excellence, grow their skills, discover advancement opportunities, and are rewarded for their contributions. Join our team as we focus on helping our fellow human beings overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

Our Benefits Include:

  • 15 days/120 Hours of Vacation Leave
  • 14 days/112 Hours of Sick Leave
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Employee health insurance includes plan with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
  • Flexible Benefits - Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Critical Illness and more
  • Paid Parental & Family Medical Leave
  • 6% Fully Matched Retirement Plan
  • Reduced Tuition for In-State Colleges/Universities
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Continued Education/Training Opportunities


You can view our benefits information here .

Job Summary:
The program specialist provides statewide leadership, administration, compliance oversight, and strategic direction for multiple federally funded programs: Older Americans Act Title III E, Lifespan Respite, and the Alzheimer's Disease Program Initiative grant. This position ensures integrated program management while maintaining distinct federal compliance requirements for each funding stream, overseeing operations, fiscal management, performance reporting, quality assurance, and policy development aligned with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) guidance.

This role offers potential for hybrid or remote work for individuals who demonstrate strong performance, initiative, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License for flexible travel statewide

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
The applicant may have any combination of training and/or experience that enables the incumbent to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required job duties.

Demonstrated work experience to show capabilities and/or willingness to manage a grant program, including budgeting, compliance, and performance reporting.

Responsibilities:

Knowledge of:

  • program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement practices;
  • budget development, expenditure tracking, and financial management practices;
  • Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and data management systems;
  • federal grant compliance, monitoring, reporting, and fiscal accountability requirements;
  • data collection, performance measurement, and program evaluation methodologies;
  • Federal Older Americans Act and Administration for Community Living (ACL) grant requirements.


Skill to:

  • analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing complex data, regulations, and program information;
  • preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and grant-related documents;
  • monitoring contracts, grants, and program performance for compliance with applicable requirements;
  • providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to providers, case managers, subgrantees, contractors, and other stakeholders;
  • facilitating meetings, trainings, and stakeholder engagement activities;
  • utilizing Microsoft Excel, including formulas, data analysis tools, dashboards, and other advanced functions.


Ability to:

  • work independently while exercising sound judgment and professional discretion;
  • identify operational challenges and develop practical solutions to improve program effectiveness;
  • organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing responsibilities;
  • facilitate collaboration among internal and external partners to achieve program goals;
  • evaluate program outcomes and performance measures to support continuous quality improvement and the implementation of innovative practices;
  • build and maintain effective partnerships with community organizations, providers, advocacy groups, governmental entities, and other stakeholders.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and cover letter.

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

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. 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 as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=49I
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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South Dakota State Government
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501