Social Services Aide

Job ID: 26601
Agency: Department of Social Services - Division of Child Protection Services
Salary: $20.00 per hour, plus $2.50 per hour differential pay
Location: Pierre
Pay Grade: GF
Closing Date: 04.03.24

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/.

Our Culture: Family-focused. Person-centered. At our organization, it is the belief that every South Dakota family has the right to be safe and secure. We believe in respecting individuals and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness and respect.

Our Department: Build Strong Families, South Dakota’s Foundation and Our Future. The Department of Social Services aims to strengthen and support individuals and families, connecting them with resources to foster independent and healthy lives.

Our Team: Dependable. Committed. Compassionate. As a member of the Department of Social Services, you will be part of a team of professionals who are dependable, committed, and compassionate. We believe collaborative communication, teamwork, partnerships, and trust are foundational to the delivery of essential family services.

Who we want:

• 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;
• compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas;
• dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities;
• dedicated individual who will represent the Department of Social Service with integrity and enthusiasm;
• cooperatively works with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals

What you will do:

• transport families or customers to visits, appointments, or meetings;
• supervise family visits and provide parental coaching on appropriate child interactions;
• conduct home safety checks with foster and kinship providers and clients;
• occasional testimony at a court proceeding;
• provide support to Family Services Specialists;
• develop and maintain effective client relationships;
• be a liaison with the community;
• obtain and maintain information resources for clients;
• organize, prepare, and update case files and basic records;
• prepare other program documents and forms.

Licenses and Certifications:

This position will also require the successful candidate to possess a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid driver's license.

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;
• comprehend, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations;
• prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence that reflect relevant facts.

Equally important will be a strong work ethic and a comprehension of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.

Office work will be in a typical office environment. Incumbent may be exposed to hostile clients or communicable diseases and frequent travel is required to transport clients.

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:

• childcare practices in relation to a safe, healthy, and supportive environment that enhances child growth and development (preferred but not required);
• theories and concepts related to culture, child development, family connections, and family dynamics and their influence on child and parental relationships and behavior;
• utilize a computerized data system;
• prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence that reflect relevant facts;
• actively listen, elicit needed information, and communicate information effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing;
• organize time and resources to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines;
• operate a motor vehicle to transport children and family members;
• make appropriate and timely decisions in stressful situations and maintain objectivity.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires employees to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, nights, holidays, and weekend hours. In addition, there may be responsibilities to travel in and out of state.
• Occasionally may lift or carry children (up to 30 Ibs.) in a safe manner.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE

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 employer paid health insurance 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 at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=PCF
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer