Job Description
*** $2,000 Hiring Incentive! *** PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID:32086
Agency: Department of Social Services - Division of Child Protection Services
Location:Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis
Salary: $26.62 hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 08/05/2025
This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.sd.gov/ .
Are you driven to protect children and ensure their safety? Do you have a strong sense of compassion, confidence under pressure, and the ability to connect with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives?
As an Initial Family Assessment Specialist, you will be the first point of contact in the state's child protection process. Your role is to gather facts, assess danger, and make immediate decisions about child safety. You will work quickly, thoroughly, and compassionately - helping children stay safe while setting the foundation for lasting family stability.
In this critical frontline role, you will:- Conduct initial safety assessments in response to reports of child abuse or neglect.
- Gather and evaluate information through home visits, interviews, and collateral contacts with children, parents, school staff, medical providers, and law enforcement.
- Respond to emergency situations, assess for immediate safety threats and determine if children can remain safely in the home or require temporary placement. Place and manage children in out of home care, prioritizing kinship placement.
- Develop and initiate safety plans, including in-home or out-of-home options, and arrange emergency placements when needed.
- Document findings and decisions clearly and accurately using electronic case management systems.
- Engage families respectfully and explain their rights, the purpose of CPS involvement, and next steps.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, courts, medical providers, and other partners when necessary.
- Testify in court proceedings, when necessary, regarding assessment findings and safety decisions.
What We Offer- Extensive onboarding and training, including coaching and mentorship for new staff.
- Ongoing professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
- Supportive team culture that values collaboration, wellness, and mutual respect.
- The chance to create real, lasting change in the lives of children and families.
- Travel reimbursement and use of state vehicles where available.
- A meaningful public service career with state employee benefits (health, retirement, paid leave, etc.).
Working Conditions: Duties are performed in a variety of settings ranging from departmental offices to client homes to courtrooms. This position works with families who have been traumatized by sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and/or emotional maltreatment. This position requires lifting up to 30 pounds in a safe manner. Applicants should be prepared to navigate emotionally sensitive situations, diverse perspectives, and occasionally work in environments that may pose health or safety risks, such as exposure to illness or volatile behavior. Support, training, and safety protocols are in place to help staff manage these situations. Considerable field travel may be required to include some overnight travel. This position covers a multi-county area and requires a valid driver's license.
Our team works a typical Monday-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, due to the nature of child protection work, there are times when flexibility is needed. Staff occasionally respond to after-hours needs, including evenings or weekends, when on an on-call rotation. Some cases may require adjusted work hours to accommodate family schedules or travel to meet with children and caregivers outside the area. We offer flexibility to adjust your schedule when after-hours work occurs, helping staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: A bachelor's degree in a human service-related field is preferred.
OR
relevant experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - are decisive, thoughtful, and calm under pressure;
- can build trust with families while asking difficult and sensitive questions;
- write clear, factual reports and communicate effectively with families and professionals;
- work well both independently and as part of a team;
- manage time efficiently while handling urgent, high-stakes responsibilities;
- are comfortable navigating unfamiliar homes and communities to meet families where they are;
- are resilient and self-aware, with strategies to manage stress and secondary trauma.
Additional Requirements: 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. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.
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 at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . 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=1ZU
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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