Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 33647
Agency: Department of Human Services - Division of Long Term Services and Supports
Location:Watertown, Brooking, Madison, SD or surrounding areasSalary: $24.41 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 11/17/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly 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 .
About DHS: The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) 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
This position is responsible for the following within designated nursing homes and assisted living facilities: empowering residents to resolve concerns, inform people about their rights, listen to concerns, make recommendations for protecting the rights of residents and improving their care and quality of life, providing advocacy services to residents and families, mediating disputes, offering information/referral services surrounding long term care, conducting community outreach, and providing facility staff education.
This position provides services in a multi-county area and may be required to work a flexible schedule, which may on occasion, include evening, night, holiday, and weekend hours, to meet the needs of the residents.
This position requires extensive travel within a multi-county area: Lake, Moody, Brookings, Kingsbury, Hamlin, Deuel, Codington, Clark, Grant and Roberts. The Ideal Candidate Will Have: A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, health, or related field may be considered as applicable to the knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in long term services and supports or other direct services for older individuals or individuals with disabilities; consumer-oriented public policy advocacy; negotiation and problem resolution skills.
Knowledge of:
- concepts related to residents' rights, confidentiality, and professional and ethical behavior;
- basic theories, principles, and methods of social work;
- principles and techniques of conducting interviews and acquiring information for resolution;
- cultural, economic, physical, social and psychological factors that influence interpersonal relationships;
- work independently with minimal supervision;
- establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others;
- federal and state laws/regulations governing the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Skills:
- strong organizational and computer skills;
- good interpersonal skills, an openness and flexibility in working with diverse groups, enthusiasm for working collaboratively and with a team;
- demonstrate sound judgement and responsibility;
- maintain confidentiality to respect the privacy of individuals;
- active listening skills.
Ability to:
- prepare clear and concise documentation, reports and correspondence that reflects relevant facts;
- identify risks, assess needs, and develop strategies;
- provide prompt, efficient and responsive service;
- communicate information clearly and effectively;
- establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships;
- demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others;
- function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy;
- exercise good judgement in evaluating situations, making decisions, and releasing information;
- maintain records and documentation;
- gather and analyze data;
- interpret and explain laws, regulations, and policies;
- testify in fair hearings;
- actively listen, elicit needed information and communicate information effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing;
- effectively plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, prioritize tasks, meet schedules and deadlines;
- assume initiative with minimal supervision;
- observe and correctly assess situations;
- adjust and adapt to changing policies, procedures, laws, and regulations;
- utilize computerized data systems.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume. This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
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=2QS
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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