Family Services Specialist

South Dakota AG; Spearfish (SD); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 82,656,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Services / Child Protection Services in Spearfish, SD is seeking a full-time Child Protection Services position that conducts assessments, plans interventions, and coordinates safety for children involved in maltreatment cases. The role requires strong communication abilities, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to work with diverse families.

A bachelor's degree in a human-service field is preferred, with opportunities to testify in court and arrange foster or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and customer service skills are essential.
• Ability to work in diverse family contexts and manage stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments with families alleging maltreatment and analyze danger threats to children.
• Provide intervention services after determinations and support ongoing safety planning.
• Work with the court system, testify as needed, and assist in foster/adoptive placements.
• Identify relatives for placement resources and coordinate case planning.
• Respond to emergencies and maintain safety for children in out-of-home or in-home care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Documentation

Time management

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Job description

Job ID: 37976

Agency: Department of Social Services / Child Protection Services

Location: Spearfish, SD

Salary: $27.00 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: I

Closing Date: 10.22.2026

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 .

Summary

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 assessments with families from diverse economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds alleged to have maltreated their children including analysis of danger threats to children; providing intervention services with families after a determination has occurred that conditions in the home threaten child safety; providing ongoing safety management through out of home placement of child or an in home safety plan when children remain in the home; working with the court system including testifying when children are placed in the custody of the state; finding foster and adoptive homes for children; recommending placements; monitoring children placed in out of home care; case planning; assessing needs of resource families and providing support services; identifying and locating relatives for possible placement resources for children placed in out of home care; responding to emergencies regarding reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect on a 24 hour basis.

Working Conditions

Duties are performed in a variety of settings ranging from departmental offices to client homes to courtrooms. An applicant may encounter high-level stress and emotional situations, strong differences of opinion, and exposure to physical danger and contagious diseases. This position works with families who have been traumatized by sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and/or emotional maltreatment. This position requires lifting up to 30 pounds in a safe manner. Applicants may be required to work a flexible schedule which may include evening, night, holiday, and weekend hours. Crisis or case situations can occur at any time which may require evening and weekend responses. Considerable field travel may be required to include overnight travel. This position requires a valid driver's license.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

A bachelor's degree in a human service-related field is preferred or relevant experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships and demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others;
• 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;
• utilize time management skills and prioritize multiple demands in a fast-paced environment;
• assume initiative with minimal supervision while utilizing critical thinking skills.

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.

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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"