Social Services Aide

the South Dakota State Government • Chamberlain, SD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Services Aide works for the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Child Protection Services, supporting children and families through intervention services. The division assesses safety, provides intervention, and secures stability for children. This position transports parents and children, supports family services specialists, and provides services in the homes of families receiving intervention services. Work takes place in settings including departmental offices, client homes, and courtrooms.

The role involves working with families affected by sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and/or emotional maltreatment. The employee may encounter high stress, emotionally charged situations, strong differences of opinion, physical danger, and contagious diseases. Considerable field travel may be required, including overnight travel. A valid driver’s license is required. The position may require a flexible schedule that includes evening, night, holiday, and weekend hours, and requires safely lifting up to 30 pounds.

This is a full-time position in Chamberlain, South Dakota. The listed pay is $21.14 per hour, depending on qualifications. Applicants must apply online and attach a resume. Successful applicants must undergo a background investigation and abuse and neglect screening. A National Career Readiness Certificate may be submitted if held, but is not required. The State does not sponsor work visas; new hires must verify identity and U.S. work eligibility and complete Form I-9, with employment verification conducted through E-Verify.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to safely lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evening, night, holiday, and weekend hours.
• Ability to undertake considerable field travel, potentially including overnight travel.
• Ability to work with families affected by sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and/or emotional maltreatment, and to manage stressful and emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to establish collaborative working relationships and demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact.
• Ability to use computerized data and technology systems.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to actively listen, elicit information, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to organize work and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to make timely decisions under stress and maintain objectivity.
• 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.
• New hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of childcare practices supporting a safe, healthy, and supportive environment that enhances child growth and development; preferred but not required.
• A National Career Readiness Certificate may be submitted with the application, but is not required.

Responsibilities

• Transport parents and children.
• Provide support services to family services specialists.
• Provide services in the homes of families receiving intervention services.
• Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships and interact with others with compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact.
• Use computerized data and technology systems.
• Prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence reflecting relevant facts.
• Actively listen, elicit needed information, and communicate information.
• Organize time and resources to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Operate a motor vehicle to transport children and family members.
• Make appropriate and timely decisions in stressful situations while maintaining objectivity.

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Vacation leave accrual.
• Sick leave accrual.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits; this position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

What This Job Offers

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