CNA Lead/Mental Health Assistant

Job ID: 36320
Agency: Department of Social Services / Human Services Center
Location:Yankton, SD
Salary: $20.25 hourly
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a full-time position with the Department of Social Services at the South Dakota Human Services Center, Yankton, SD. For more information on DSS, please visit


The Mental Health Assistant provides direct care services, assists with unit management duties, provides an atmosphere conducive to treatment and supports patients with mental health and chemical dependency issues in an effort to meet the patients' needs.


Multiple shifts available, including holidays and weekends.


Shift differential: $2.00 pm and night shift, $1.50 weekend shift, $1.00 Geriatric pay.

The Human Services Center provides a comprehensive employee orientation including completion of the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification. Previous CNA experience is required.


The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Knowledge of:

• unit routine and the physical and psychological needs of the mentally ill;
• patient safety procedures;
• standard treatment programs for the mentally ill;
• procedures for documenting patient behavior and progress;
• patient's rights;
• effective methods of assigning and monitoring subordinates' work and providing training.

Ability to:

• provide work direction;
• follow oral and written instructions and procedures;
• carry out individual program plans for treatment of patients;
• accurately observe, recognize, report, and record physical symptoms and significant behavioral characteristics of patients;
• verbalize the needs of patients;
• be empathetic and supportive with patients;
• lift 75 lbs.;
• assist in lifting and moving patients;
• deal with aggressive behavior;
• communicate information clearly and concisely.

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. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug 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.

Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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