Job Description
Job ID: 32951
Agency: Department of Human Services - Division of Long Term Services and Supports
Location:StatewideSalary: $68,950.98 - $81,118.80 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 9/29/25
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Human Services - Division of Long Term Services and Supports. For more information on the Department of Human Services, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss .
About DHS:The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) encompasses a broad field dedicated to offering services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Our programs promote independence and inclusion through person-centered services. DHS comes together with the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans.
DHS 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
We are seeking a dedicated professional to serve as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, advocating for residents in long-term care facilities across the state. In this vital role, you will:- Promote and protect residents' rights, ensuring their voices are heard and respected
- Educate residents, families, and providers about rights and best practices in long-term care
- Investigate and help resolve concerns, working collaboratively with residents, families, and facility staff
- Collaborate with long-term care providers to improve the quality of life and overall experience for residents
This position requires extensive in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel to support training, outreach, and professional development
Licenses and Certifications: Valid Driver's License
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:- Bachelor's degree in social work, healthcare, public health, law, or a closely related field
- Background in aging services, social work, public health, law, or long-term care administration
- Experience working directly with or on behalf of older adults or people with disabilities
Solid understanding of:- Residents' rights under the Older Americans Act and related federal/state regulations
- Long-term care systems (e.g. nursing homes, assisted living)
- Complaint investigation and conflict-resolution processes
Knowledge of:- Federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to long-term care, residents' rights, and the Older Americans Act
- Long-term care systems, including nursing homes, assisted living, and home- and community-based services
- Principles and practices of complaint investigation, conflict resolution, and mediation
- Program administration, including planning, evaluation, reporting, and policy development
- Fiscal management, budgeting, and resource allocation for public programs
- Program quality monitoring, compliance, and data management systems
- Best practices for developing and supporting resident and family councils
- Advocacy systems and strategies at state, regional, and national levels
- Ethical standards, cultural humility, and professional conduct in working with residents, families, and staff
Skills:- Strong written and verbal communication, including public speaking, training delivery, and preparation of technical reports
- Leadership and management of staff, including recruitment, mentoring, performance management, and professional development
- Strategic planning and program evaluation, including policy and procedure development and legislative analysis
- Relationship-building and collaboration with residents, families, facility staff, community partners, government agencies, and citizen organizations
- Facilitation, negotiation, and mediation to resolve complaints and systemic issues
- Critical thinking, research, and analysis to inform policy recommendations and program improvements
- Technological proficiency in case management, data reporting, and virtual communication platforms
- Developing and maintaining outreach materials, communication strategies, and community engagement programs
Ability to:- Advocate effectively for residents while maintaining impartiality, professionalism, and ethical standards
- Listen actively, assess concerns, and facilitate timely, fair resolutions
- Educate residents, families, providers, legislators, and the public on residents' rights and quality of care
- Represent the program before governmental agencies and in public forums at state, regional, and national levels
- Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives
- Lead organizational change, identify systemic issues, and implement solutions to enhance program effectiveness
- Make complex decisions, assume accountability for outcomes, and use discretion in sensitive situations
- Travel extensively within South Dakota and occasionally out of state for training and professional events
- Use creativity, reasoning, and judgment to address novel challenges and develop innovative processes
- Manage fiscal resources responsibly and ensure compliance with federal and state reporting requirements
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 here . 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=2E2
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"
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