Job Description

Agency: Department of Social Services / Child Protection Services

Location:Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or Pierre, SD

Salary: $107,552.88 annually, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: O

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit .

Job Summary

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is seeking a results-driven, strategic leader to serve as the Division Director of Child Protection Services. This position provides executive leadership, direction, and oversight of a statewide child protection program ensuring the safety and permanency for children that come into the State’s care while driving continuous improvement in outcomes.

The Director is responsible for leading high-performing teams, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery and outcomes. This role requires a leader who can effectively navigate complex systems, build strong partnerships, and translate vision into measurable results.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and requires occasional in- and out-of-state travel. Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.

Why Work Here

At DSS, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of children and families across South Dakota.

We Offer

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Shape statewide policy and practice in a role where your decisions create lasting impact.
• Opportunity to Lead Change: Drive innovation and system improvements in a critical public service area.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated professionals committed to service, integrity, and accountability.
• Professional Growth: Engage in complex, high-level leadership work that strengthens your executive leadership experience.
• Public Service Impact: Serve communities across the state and make a difference where it matters most.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct and indirect supervision to division staff and leadership.
• Plan, organize, and direct statewide child protection services and programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Oversee program operations, contracts, grants, and budgetary activities.
• Establish performance expectations and hold teams accountable for outcomes.
• Analyze data and performance metrics to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Represent the division in interagency, legislative, and community partnerships.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, public administration, criminal justice, or a closely related human services field.
• At least five (5) years of administrative, management, and/or supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience in child welfare or human services program administration.
• Demonstrated experience leading large teams or complex systems.

Knowledge Of

• leadership, management, and supervision principles;
• child welfare systems and practices;
• state and federal laws and policies;
• budgeting and fiscal management;
• program development and evaluation;
• legislative processes.

Skill In

• leading and motivating teams;
• supervising supervisors;
• strategic planning and steady achievement of the plan;
• communication;
• building partnerships;
• data analysis and decision-making;
• managing multiple priorities.

Ability To

• lead effectively in a dynamic environment;
• build relationships with diverse groups;
• interpret and apply laws and policies;
• develop strategies and procedures;
• make sound decisions;
• solve complex problems;
• demonstrate professionalism and integrity.

Ideal Candidate Will Be

• a proven leader with a track record of delivering results through others;
• outcome-driven, with the ability to set expectations and ensure accountability;
• a strategic thinker who can align operations with long-term goals;
• a strong communicator who builds trust and credibility across stakeholders;
• a collaborative partner who fosters teamwork and shared success;
• a resilient decision-maker who performs effectively in high-pressure environments;
• passionate about improving outcomes for children and families.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

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:

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: ***email_hidden***

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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