Human Rights Specialist

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 30358
Agency: SD Developmental Center
Location: Redfield, Aberdeen, Watertown, Pierre, Brookings or Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: $68,099.08-$80,116.56 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 02/18/2025

About 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. At SDDC we are comprised of a variety of positions that require differing skill and educational levels to ensure successful operations. SDDC is one of the Divisions of the Department of Human Services, which works together on the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans.

SDDC strives to create an environment where people are inspired and challenged to create excellence, grow their skills, discover advancement opportunities, and are rewarded for their contributions. Join our team as we focus on helping our fellow human beings overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

Our Benefits Include:

• 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 Program
• Continued Education/Training Opportunities

Click to view additional benefits information: https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/index.html

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.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• 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 team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A strong desire to serve people with disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills, & 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; and
• Ability to work with those who are intellectually or developmentally disabled and may have co-occurring mental health diagnoses.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and a cover letter.

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.

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 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://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=12G
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"

#LI-Onsite