Family Services Intake Specialist

State of South Dakota; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of South Dakota, Department of Social Services - Division of Child Protection Services, is seeking a full-time Intake Specialist in Sioux Falls or Rapid City, SD. The role involves completing intake assessments, gathering detailed information from reporting parties, and evaluating safety risks to children.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and timely documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human service-related field preferred or relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills essential.
• Ability to gather and process information in written format accurately.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments by gathering information from reporting parties.
• Analyze danger threats to child safety and determine appropriate action.
• Provide intervention services and connect families with resources.
• Assess family needs and identify relevant support services.
• Identify and locate relatives for potential placement resources.
• Interact with leads and supervisors to relay information and update case files.

Skills

Intake assessment

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Tools

Computerized data systems

Documentation

Job description

Job ID: 37586
Agency: Department of Social Services - Division of Child Protection Services
Location: Sioux Falls or Rapid City, SD
Salary: $27.00, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 09/27/26
This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.sd.gov/ .
The Division of Child Protection Services impacts children and families’ lives every day by assessing safety, providing intervention, and securing stability for children.
If you are committed to helping children and families; have excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills; and are dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for children and families, this may be an opportunity for you to make a difference in a child’s life.
This position is responsible for completing the intake assessment regarding families and childcare facilities by gathering details from the reporting party about diverse economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds alleged to have maltreated children. The gathered information, completed either telephonically or in person, requires analysis of danger threats to children; providing intervention services with families after a determination has occurred that conditions in the home threaten child safety; assessing needs and offering resource information to families including input on relevant support services; identifying and locating relatives for possible placement resources for children placed in out of home care; responding reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect and communicating effectively with leads and supervisors.
Some flexibility with schedule may be required due to necessary staffing needs; however, there are no overnight or weekend response duties.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
Effective time management, communication skills and ability to gather and process information in written format efficiently. An applicant may encounter high-level stress and emotional situations, strong differences of opinion, and exposure to difficult and sensitive information. This position gathers information regarding children and families who have been traumatized by sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, trafficking and/or emotional maltreatment. Equally important will be a strong work ethic and the comprehension of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
Licenses And Certifications
A bachelor's degree in a human service-related field is preferred, or relevant experience may be considered.
No specific license or certification is required for this job requisition.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships and demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others which is primarily conducted via telephone;
• actively listen, elicit needed information and communicate information effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing;
• utilize computerized data and technology systems;
• prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence that reflect relevant facts in a timely manner;
• utilize time management skills and prioritization of multiple demands in a fast-paced environment;
• assume initiative with minimal supervision while utilizing critical thinking skills.

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.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"