Supporting Families Coordinator

Job Description

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

Job ID: 35022
Agency: Department of Human Services - South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities
Location: Statewide, SD
Salary: $61,745.29-72,641.52 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 3/17/26

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Human Services. For more information on Department of Human Services, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en .

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 a plan with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
• Flexible benefits - dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness, and more
• Paid parental and 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 full time, working 40 hours per week, and serves as Facilitator for Supporting Families for the South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Council's mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to achieve the quality of life they choose through advocacy, leadership, and systemic change.

The Council is composed of 25 members appointed by the Governor.

60% of members are individuals with IDD or their family members/guardians, ensuring authentic representation.

Additional members include professionals from major state agencies, service providers, and advocacy organizations.

Established under Public Law 106-402 (Developmental Disabilities Act), the Council leads statewide efforts to address unmet needs and drive innovation in services for people with IDD. This position serves as a strategic leader and change agent, responsible for advancing initiatives that strengthen systems and build capacity to support engagement of individuals with IDD and their families. inclusive practices across South Dakota. The role requires independent judgment, proactive engagement, and the ability to influence policy and practice at multiple levels.

This position serves as a strategic leader and change agent, responsible for advancing initiatives that strengthen systems and build capacity to support engagement of individuals with IDD and their families. The role requires independent judgment, proactive engagement, and the ability to influence policy and practice at multiple levels.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and expand the South Dakota Supporting Families Community of Practice (CoP):
• Direct statewide efforts to expand the Supporting Families Community of Practice in South Dakota, empowering families and self-advocates to shape their own futures.
• Design and manage projects that increase opportunities for families and individuals with IDD and other stakeholders to utilize CtLC principles to achieve desired life outcomes across the lifespan.
• Coordinate and mentor State Team members, Ambassadors, and Facilitator teams.
• Represent the Council at conferences and training events, delivering high-impact presentations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the National Community of Practice, ensuring alignment with national best practices.
• Drive engagement and advocacy:
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen communication and networking between families, self-advocates, community partners, and state agencies.
• Foster collaborative relationships that amplify family voices in decision-making processes.
• Influence policy and systems change:
• Partner with state agencies and community organizations to shape policies and practices that prioritize family-centered support.
• Ensure individuals with IDD and their families are actively involved in shaping solutions.
• Advance Council priorities:
• Execute additional State Plan activities as needed.
• Represent SDCDD in high-level meetings, seminars, and workshops as needed.
• Oversee preparation of federal reports and manage select administrative responsibilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a dynamic environment.
• In-state and occasional out-of-state travel required.
• Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of families and stakeholders.

In and out of state travel will be required for this position.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• lived experience as a family member / caregiver to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability;
• certification as a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador or in Person Centered Thinking practices (preferred but not required);
• Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or another related field. Experience in developmental disabilities.

Knowledge. Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• South Dakota's system of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
• best practices related to self-determination, person-centered thinking/planning practices, Charting the Life Course, and advocacy skills building.

Skills:

• data collection and federal reporting on State Plan activities;
• have a working knowledge of related computer software programs and related technology;
• create and present materials, conduct related trainings independently, and carry out public speaking activities/presenting to groups.

Ability to:

• work within a flexible schedule in order to meet work-related demands;
• be self-motivated to achieve identified objectives;
• independently set priorities; assess changing circumstances, and adjust where necessary;
• display cultural competence - facilitation and support that is provided in ways that are sensitive to individual and family's cultural,
• linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds;
• contribute to a team.

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

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
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=3LO
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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