Human Rights Specialist at South Dakota State Government Redfield, SD

Human Rights Specialist Job ID: 30358 | Agency: SD Developmental Center | Location: Redfield, Aberdeen, Watertown, Pierre, Brookings or Sioux Falls | Salary: $68,099.08-$80,116.56 | Pay Grade: K | Closing Date: 02/18/2025 Job Summary The Human Rights Specialist promotes and protects the human rights of all people supported by the South Dakota Developmental Center to ensure SDDC fully respects the rights of the people supported. The Human Rights Specialist has full access to supported persons in order to conduct interviews, make observations, complete documentation, and create appropriate records. This position completes incident investigations and reports, provides input on program/facility policies, and works with program/facility staff at all levels. The Human Rights Specialist conducts regular meetings regarding supported persons' rights and provides ongoing training. This position advocates for and provides assistance to any person supported whose human rights allegedly have been, are being, or are at risk of being denied; educates people supported and staff about human rights to ensure the points of view of persons supported by the agency are understood and respected; assists people supported in obtaining legal information, advice, and representation through appropriate means to ensure clients' human rights are protected; and conducts appropriate investigations. The Human Rights Specialist is responsible for creating professional investigation reports and ensuring that all appropriate reports and notifications are made for any issue. Qualifications A Bachelor's degree in a human services-related field or comparable experience working with people and conducting investigations. Professional investigation and report writing experience. Proven ability to work with a variety of people and complete projects independently as well as part of a team. Strong verbal and written communication skills. A strong desire to serve people with disabilities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic software programs or ability to learn. Knowledge of basic negotiation and investigation techniques. Knowledge of human rights/criminal laws, policies, and regulations. Skilled in interviewing techniques. Ability to work with those who are intellectually or developmentally disabled and may have co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Benefits 15 days/120 Hours of Vacation Leave 14 days/112 Hours of Sick Leave 11 Paid Holidays Employee health insurance includes plan 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 ProgramContinued Education/Training Opportunities Legal and Employment Requirements This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. 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. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS. "An Equal Opportunity Employer" #J-18808-Ljbffr South Dakota State Government