Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 33591
Agency: SD Developmental Center
Location:Redfield, SDSalary: $24.41-$28.72 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 11/6/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the SD Developmental Center. For more information on the SD Developmental Center, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en/south-dakota-developmental-center .
Summary:
The Recreational Lifespan Specialist position is a versatile position that is focuses on consistency and support to clients as SDDC in all environments. The RLS provides educational services for recreational development through groups, one-to-one opportunities, and activities. The RLS assists with crisis intervention services, behavior management, and other individualized and specialized treatment services. The Recreational Lifespan Specialist completes and reviews agency documents. They provide supervision and support for people for appointments, activities, and visits from their admission to discharge.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: A bachelor's degree in the human services, special education, or other related field is preferred but not required.
Experience working with adolescents or adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or educational background in psychology, sociology, counseling, or other related field is requested.
Top Qualities for Recreational Staff Working with Individuals with IDD
Empathy and Compassion
- Understanding and valuing each person's unique abilities and challenges.
- Showing genuine care and patience in every interaction.
Creativity and Flexibility
- Adapting activities to meet a wide range of abilities and interests.
- Thinking outside the box to make programs fun, accessible, and engaging.
Strong Communication Skills
- Using clear, respectful, and sometimes nonverbal communication.
- Listening actively and responding appropriately to verbal and nonverbal cues.
Patience and Calmness
- Remaining composed in challenging situations.
- Allowing individuals the time they need to participate and express themselves.
Inclusivity and Respect for Diversity
- Promoting a sense of belonging for all participants.
- Celebrating differences and encouraging peer support.
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Working well with other staff, families, and support professionals.
- Sharing ideas and responsibilities to enhance the program.
Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm
- Bringing energy and joy to activities.
- Encouraging participation through a can-do spirit.
Observational Skills
- Noticing subtle changes in behavior or mood.
- Adjusting activities based on individual needs and responses.
Organizational Skills
- Planning and preparing activities that are structured yet adaptable.
- Keeping materials, schedules, and documentation in order.
Commitment to Safety and Well-being
- Ensuring physical and emotional safety during all activities.
- Being aware of individual support needs and emergency procedures.
Knowledge of: - p rinciples of basic human behavior;
- p roblems experienced by and methods of supervising people with developmental disabilities;
- CPR and first aid;
- Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques;
- p atient's rights;
- s erious emotional disturbances;
- d ocument completion and review.
Ability to: - i nterpret and follow established policies, procedures, operations memoranda, and guidelines ;
- c ommunicate and correspond with outside agencies;
- t ravel and periodic overnights stays may be involved;
- f lexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays;
- d eal effectively with people from diverse ethnic and sociological backgrounds ;
- b e a positive role model ;
- o bserve and listen empathetically to adolescents and adults ;
- a ccurately recall information ;
- m aintain safety and security at the Developmental Center;
- l ead group and individual activities with adolescents and adults ;
- p rovide individual and/or group crisis and de-escalation discussions ;
- d irect adolescents and adults in scheduled tasks;
- p rovide direct personal care as needed ;
- e ffectively diffuse potentially explosive situations/confrontations between adolescents and/or adults ;
- m anage time and effectively plan and organize work responsibilities;
- c ommunicate effectively to relay information regarding adolescents and adult behaviors and needs ;
- m aintain records and prepare reports;
- c oordinate and conduct planned treatment programs;
- understand adolescent and adult behavior and help them formulate acceptable responses to challenges they encounter.
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. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
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=2P0
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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