Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 36897
Agency: Department of Human Services - Division of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired
Location:Sioux Falls, SDSalary: $27.28 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 8/18/26
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Human Services - Division of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired to. For more information on the Department of Human Services, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en/sbvi .
About DHS:
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
Job Summary:
See What You Can Do!
The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind is looking for a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated Social Worker (Center Counselor) to join our team.
In this role, you'll help people with vision loss build confidence, gain independence, and develop the skills they need for everyday life, employment, and personal success. Every day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting individuals as they work toward their goals.
As the Social Worker (Center Counselor), you'll also play an important role in coordinating services and supporting the team. You'll work closely with Center instructors and referring field staff to ensure clients receive consistent, high-quality services throughout their training at the Center.
Every day offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by providing counseling, support, and encouragement to individuals navigating vision loss-helping them gain confidence, develop essential life and work skills, and pursue a brighter future.
What You'll Do
- Coordinate referrals for Skills of Blindness training at the Center.
- Develop and manage the weekly Skills of Blindness training schedule.
- Provide Skills of Blindness instruction when coverage is needed.
- Oversee the three Center apartments.
- Prepare and finalize client reports for referring counselors and teachers.
- Meet individually with clients each week to provide counseling, guidance, and support.
If you're passionate about helping people achieve greater independence and want a career where you can see the impact of your work every day, we'd love to hear from you. Join our team and help individuals with vision loss build the skills and confidence to thrive.
Licenses and Certifications: A bachelor's degree in a field of study such as social work, vocational rehabilitation counseling, psychology, disability studies, human services, special education, or similar education - preferred.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:- a strong commitment to ethical practices and maintaining client confidentiality;
- the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team;
- experience working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired;
- a commitment to promoting independence, self-determination, and high expectations for individuals who are blind or visually impaired;
- knowledge of independent living skills and vocational readiness instruction.
Responsibilities:
Knowledge of:
- cultural awareness and best practices for working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities;
- workplace accommodations and accessibility practices that support individuals with disabilities in employment settings;
- community resources, programs, and services available to support individuals with disabilities.
Skill to:
- prepare and present clear, accurate reports that include findings, recommendations, and supporting information;
- communicate effectively by listening carefully and sharing information clearly and professionally;
- build and maintain productive working relationships with clients, service providers, community organizations, and coworkers;
- prepare clear, accurate, and timely case notes, reports, and other written correspondence;
- stay organized and manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and job responsibilities;
- use Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management and filing systems efficiently.
Ability to:
- provide leadership and guidance in a collaborative team environment;
- plan, organize, and prioritize work while managing multiple responsibilities and changing priorities;
- build professional, respectful, and empathetic relationships with clients;
- provide consultation, guidance, and training to SBVI staff across the state;
- communicate clearly and professionally through accurate, concise written correspondence;
- use sound judgment and problem-solving skills to make day-to-day program decisions;
- set short- and long-term goals and effectively manage available resources;
- work collaboratively with coworkers and contribute positively to a team-oriented workplace;
- monitor and evaluate client progress, adjusting services as needed to support successful outcomes.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and college transcript. 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=4J6
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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