Family Services Specialist

the South Dakota State Government • Mobridge, SD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist works for the Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Protection Services, which assesses safety, provides intervention, and secures stability for children. The role assesses families from diverse economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds when child maltreatment is alleged, analyzes threats to children’s safety, and provides intervention and ongoing safety management. The specialist may arrange out-of-home placements or in-home safety plans, work with the court system, identify foster and adoptive homes, recommend and monitor placements, develop case plans, and support resource families. The position also involves locating relatives as potential placement resources and responding to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect on a 24-hour basis.

Duties take place in departmental offices, client homes, and courtrooms. The work can involve high stress, emotionally difficult situations, differing opinions, possible physical danger, contagious diseases, and contact with families affected by sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, or emotional maltreatment. The role requires lifting up to 30 pounds, a valid driver’s license, and potentially considerable field travel, including overnight travel. Flexible scheduling may include evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends; urgent cases may require evening or weekend responses.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, based in Mobridge, South Dakota. The listed pay is $27.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus a $2.50 geographic differential. A $2,000 hiring incentive is offered. Applicants must apply online and attach a resume. Successful applicants must undergo background and abuse-and-neglect screenings. The state does not sponsor work visas; hires must verify identity and U.S. work eligibility and complete Form I-9, with E-Verify used upon hire.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds safely.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships and interact with compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact.
• Ability to actively listen, elicit needed information, and communicate accurately and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to use computerized data and technology systems.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take initiative with minimal supervision and use critical-thinking skills.
• Attach a resume and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
• Successful applicants must undergo a background investigation and an abuse-and-neglect screening.
• Hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field is preferred; relevant experience may be considered.
• A National Career Readiness Certificate may be submitted, but is not required for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Complete assessments with families from diverse backgrounds when child maltreatment is alleged, including analysis of danger threats to children.
• Provide intervention services after determining that conditions in the home threaten child safety.
• Manage ongoing safety through out-of-home placements or in-home safety plans.
• Work with the court system, including testifying when children are placed in state custody.
• Find foster and adoptive homes, recommend placements, and monitor children in out-of-home care.
• Develop case plans.
• Assess resource-family needs and provide support services.
• Identify and locate relatives as potential placement resources for children in out-of-home care.
• Respond on a 24-hour basis to emergencies involving reports of alleged child abuse or neglect.
• Prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence reflecting relevant facts.
• Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships and communicate effectively with others.
• Use time-management and prioritization skills to manage multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision and apply critical-thinking skills.

Benefits

• $2,000 hiring incentive.
• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits; this position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed