Employment Specialist

Job Details Job ID: 35855 | Agency: Department of Social Services | Location: Pine Ridge | Salary: $24.42 hourly (based on qualifications) | Pay Grade: H | Closing Date: 05.15.2026 Why the Department of Social Services? At the Department of Social Services (DSS), family is everything. It is the foundation of what we do every day through the provision of services to strengthen and support the citizens of South Dakota. Our vision is to build strong families, shape South Dakota’s foundation, and secure our future. We believe families have the right to be safe and secure, respect individual and cultural differences, treat people with dignity, fairness, and respect, and value collaborative communication, teamwork, partnerships, and trust for essential family services. Who we want: Highly motivated and experienced, passionate about serving the public and committed to achieving goals. Compassionate and attentive listener, able to convey information and ideas clearly. Dependable and organized, planning and coordinating work activities efficiently. Dedicated, representing the Department with integrity and enthusiasm. Cooperative, fostering a friendly work climate to reach shared goals. What you will do: As an employee in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) employment services program, you will assess and analyze life circumstances of low‑income individuals, develop and enhance employment opportunities, identify and remove barriers to employment, and provide counseling and solutions to promote employment. You will determine customer interests, strengths, skills, abilities, and challenges, set realistic goals, match clients to appropriate jobs, and develop and present workshops and public presentations. Education and Licenses A bachelor’s degree in social science, behavioral science, human services, business administration, public administration, education, public health, or related fields is preferred, as is experience in health‑care administration, finance, accounting, or insurance. Entry‑level knowledge may be gained through training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will: Communicate effectively and efficiently. Plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to meet schedules and deadlines. Demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others. Show confidence and innovation despite adversity. Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Apply concepts related to client confidentiality. Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations accurately. Prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence that reflect relevant facts. Take initiative with minimal supervision. Benefits The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option, the option for eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance alternatives, along with retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS. This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. EEO Statement “An Equal Opportunity Employer.” #J-18808-Ljbffr