Crime Victims' Compensation Claims Specialist

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Crime Victims' Compensation Claims Specialist at the Department of Public Safety investigates and evaluates claims, gathering and analyzing records to determine eligibility under state laws. The role works closely with victims, law enforcement, medical providers, prosecutors, and service providers to verify information and ensure timely, compliant processing.

The position emphasizes training, policy development, and process improvement to increase program effectiveness and access to benefits

Qualifications

• Ability to conduct investigations and evaluate claims for eligibility and compensability.
• Strong analytical skills to review police reports, medical records, bills, and related documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with claimants, victims, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Experience delivering training and technical assistance to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Regular in-state travel to conduct investigations and evaluations.
• Review applications, police reports, medical records, and other records to determine eligibility and benefits.
• Develop and provide training and technical assistance to stakeholders.
• Communicate with claimants, victims, law enforcement, prosecutors, and service providers to obtain necessary information.
• Review, approve, or deny claims and ensure accurate, compliant payments.

Skills

Investigation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Training abilities

Job description

Job ID: 37308

Agency: Department of Public Safety

Location: Pierre, SD preferred

Salary: $23.56-$24.74 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 09/22/2026

This is a Full-Time Weekly position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://dps.sd.gov/ .

This position is part of the South Dakota Victim Services Program (SDVS) within the Department of Public Safety (DPS). SDVS administers the Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVC), which provides financial assistance to eligible victims, survivors of violent crime for expenses resulting from their victimization. SDVS also oversees state and federal grant funding to subrecipients, primarily nonprofit and governmental organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.

The Crime Victims' Compensation Claims Specialist is responsible for investigating and evaluating claims submitted to the program, gathering and analyzing information and documentation for eligibility in accordance with state law and administrative rules. This position works closely with victims and survivors, law enforcement, medical providers, prosecutors, service providers, and other agencies to obtain information necessary to evaluate claims. The position also contributes to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program by identifying opportunities to improve processes, build efficiencies, strengthen consistency, and enhance the effectiveness of program operations. This includes assisting with the development, review, and implementation of effective policies, procedures, and practices that support accurate, timely, consistent, and compliant claims processing.

The location of this position is negotiable, with preference for Pierre, SD.

Duties include:

• regular in-state travel;
• conduct investigations and evaluations of Crime Victims' Compensation claims to determine eligibility and compensability in accordance with state statutes, administrative rules, policies, and procedures;
• review and analyze applications, police reports, medical records, bills, insurance information, employment documentation, and other records necessary to evaluate claims;
• develop and provide training and technical assistance;
• communicate with claimants, victims and survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical providers, victim service providers, and other agencies to obtain and verify information necessary to evaluate claims;
• review, approve, or deny claims and eligible expenses and ensure payments are processed accurately and in accordance with program requirements;
• identify missing, conflicting, or insufficient information and conduct appropriate follow-up to obtain necessary documentation or clarification;
• maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential case records and prepare correspondence, investigative findings, and recommendations regarding claims;
• develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, victim service providers, medical providers, and other stakeholders to increase awareness of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program and ensure eligible victims and survivors are informed about available benefits and how to apply;
• develop and provide training, technical assistance, and program information to stakeholders regarding Crime Victims' Compensation eligibility, benefits, application requirements, and procedures;
• participate in stakeholder meetings, workgroups, and outreach activities to strengthen awareness of and access to the Crime Victims' Compensation Program;
• evaluate program operations, policies, and processes and identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness, increase efficiency, strengthen consistency, and improve the experience of claimants;
• assist in developing, reviewing, and implementing policies, procedures, forms, and processes to support accurate, timely, consistent, and compliant administration of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program;
• participate in ongoing training related to applicable state and federal requirements, investigative practices, trauma-informed approaches, victim/survivor-centered practices, and Crime Victims' Compensation best practices;
• provide cross-program support to the SDVS grants team, as needed, including assisting with reimbursement reviews, data analysis, development of program guidance and training materials, and other grant administration activities;
• other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A strong desire to improve programs, processes, and outcomes through thoughtful evaluation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be able to identify opportunities to build efficiencies, develop practical solutions, and contribute to effective policies and procedures. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this role. Proactive thinking, effective planning, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines are also important. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, adaptable, and committed to ensuring the Crime Victims' Compensation Program operates effectively, consistently, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and best practices.

Knowledge of:

• generally accepted accounting principles and practices related to financial documentation and review;
• technology, databases, spreadsheets, word processing software, and other information management systems;
• investigative and case review principles, program administration, and continuous improvement practices;
• records management, confidentiality requirements, and the proper handling of sensitive information.

Skill to:

• apply and interpret applicable state and federal laws, administrative rules, regulations, policies, and program requirements;
• review and analyze documentation from various fields, including law enforcement, courts, funeral homes, human resources, medical providers, and victim service providers, and develop well-reasoned recommendations;
• analyze data, identify trends and opportunities for improvement, solve problems, and implement effective solutions;
• provide excellent customer service and communicate with claimants, stakeholders, and the public with courtesy, respect, professionalism, and sensitivity;
• develop and deliver training and technical assistance to diverse audiences and stakeholders;
• develop, review, and update forms, policies, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance with current laws, regulations, guidelines, and best practices;
• evaluate program practices and processes, identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and contribute to the implementation of meaningful program improvements.

Ability to:

• analyze and interpret program outcomes and make recommendations for improvements;
• establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, community organizations, and partner agencies;
• accurately gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from multiple sources to support sound decisions and recommendations;
• exercise sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail when handling sensitive information and complex or confidential matters;
• organize work, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing program needs;
• work independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
• travel regularly within the state.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

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.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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