Economic Assistance Benefit Specialist

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 70,258,000 - 74,390,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Dental

Vision

Retirement benefits SDRS

Job summary

South Dakota State Government seeks a qualified professional to assess life circumstances and financials for medical eligibility, interviewing and counseling clients to link them with available resources. You will verify records, interpret program rules, and determine eligibility across social services programs to promote client self-sufficiency.

The ideal candidate should possess a relevant bachelor’s degree, strong communication, and organizational skills, with a focus on compassionate service

Qualifications

• Licensure or degree in social services or related field preferred.
• Ability to interpret policies, rules, and regulations.
• Experience in health care administration, finance, or insurance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess life circumstances and financials to determine medical eligibility.
• Interview, counsel, and identify resources for low-income individuals and families.
• Verify records, collateral information, and determine eligibility for multiple programs.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding social services and benefits.

Skills

Effective communication

Planning & organizing

Compassion & tact

Initiative

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related field

Job description

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

Location: Huron or Mitchell. Salary: $24.77 Hourly, depending on qualifications. Pay Grade: H. Closing Date: 09/25/2026.

This position assesses and analyzes current life circumstances and financial capabilities to provide medical eligibility assistance to low income individuals and their families by interviewing, counseling, and identifying available resources; obtaining records, verifying collateral information and determining eligibility for multiple social service programs; responding to public inquiries regarding social services and benefits; and interpreting rules, regulations, and policies to ensure appropriate benefits and services are provided in an effective and expedient manner to assist in the individual's basic self-sufficiency.

Licenses and Certifications:

A bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, or other human service-related fields, business administration, public administration, education, or public health, and/or experience in health care administration, finance, accounting, or insurance is preferred. Entry level knowledge and abilities may be acquired through any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the incumbent to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• communicate effectively and efficiently;
• successfully plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines;
• demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy and tact when interacting with others;
• display confidence and innovation despite adversity;
• establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders;
• understand concepts related to client confidentiality;
• have the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws and regulations;
• prepare clear and concise documentation, reports and correspondence that reflect relevant facts;
• assume initiative with minimal supervision.

Equally important will be a strong work ethic and the comprehension of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. If you believe in strengthening and supporting strong families and investing in South Dakota's future, you may have found the dream job you've been waiting for!

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• a highly motivated and experienced person with a passion for serving the public and displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• a compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas;
• a dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities;
• a person who is dedicated and who will represent the Department of Social Service with integrity and enthusiasm;
• an individual who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals.

Additional Requirements:

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.

Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.

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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

An Equal Opportunity Employer