Human Rights Specialist at South Dakota State Government Redfield, SD

South Dakota State Government; Redfield (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Health insurance

Flexible benefits

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition benefits

Wellness program

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Human Rights Specialist at South Dakota State Government in Redfield, SD promotes and protects the rights of people supported by the South Dakota Developmental Center. This role conducts investigations, interviews, and prepares reports to ensure compliance with rights and policy.

You will collaborate with staff, provide training on rights, and assist individuals in obtaining information and representation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services–related field or equivalent experience working with people and conducting investigations.
• Professional investigation and report-writing experience.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with diverse individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A strong desire to serve people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Promotes and protects the human rights of all people supported by SDDC.
• Conducts incident investigations and prepares professional investigation reports.
• Interviews, observes, documents, and creates records with access to supported persons.
• Provides training and advocates for rights, assisting with legal information and representation.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Negotiation techniques

Investigation techniques

Human rights/criminal law knowledge

Interviewing skills

Disability awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field

Job description

Human Rights Specialist – South Dakota State Government, Redfield, SD.

About the South Dakota Developmental Center (SDDC)

The South Dakota Developmental Center is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and community inclusion for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through person-centered services. SDDC is part of the Department of Human Services and strives to create an environment that encourages excellence, growth, advancement, and rewards contributions.

Benefits

• 15 days (120 hours) of Vacation Leave
• 14 days (112 hours) of Sick Leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Employee health insurance with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
• Flexible benefits – Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Critical Illness and more
• Paid Parental & Family Medical Leave
• 6 % fully matched retirement plan
• Reduced tuition for in‑state colleges/universities
• Employee wellness program
• Continued education and training opportunities

Job Summary

The Human Rights Specialist promotes and protects the human rights of all people supported by SDDC to ensure the agency fully respects their rights. The Specialist has full access to supported persons for interviews, observations, documentation, and record creation. This role conducts incident investigations, provides input on program/facility policies, and collaborates with staff at all levels. The Specialist conducts regular meetings regarding supported persons’ rights, provides ongoing training, advocates for those whose rights are at risk, and assists people in obtaining legal information, advice, and representation. The Specialist prepares professional investigation reports and ensures all appropriate reports and notifications are made.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services–related field or equivalent experience working with people and conducting investigations.
• Professional investigation and report‑writing experience.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with diverse individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A strong desire to serve people with disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Basic computer software proficiency or ability to learn.
• Knowledge of negotiation and investigation techniques.
• Knowledge of human rights/criminal laws, policies, and regulations.
• Skilled interviewing techniques.
• Ability to work with individuals who are intellectually or developmentally disabled and may have co‑occurring mental health diagnoses.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. The position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. Veterans' Preference is available. Successful applicants will undergo a background investigation and abuse/neglect screening. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

South Dakota State Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.