to top

Medication Certified Direct Support Professional

South Dakota State Government

Redfield, SD

Posted/Updated: 9 days ago

Job Description
Job ID: 31030
Agency: SD Developmental Center
Location: Redfield, SDSalary: $18.56-$27.84 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: 05/02/2025

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:

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position and could work varied hours and shifts. Direct Support Professionals (DSP) carry out individual training, behavior management, and therapy programs from a variety of therapeutic disciplines to ensure that each person served at the South Dakota Developmental Center (SDDC) will develop to their fullest potential. DSPs maintain a structured and healthy environment designed to enhance the well-being of persons served while providing continual guidance regarding life skills, academic skills, and work skills to ensure appropriate social interaction. Implements approved behavioral intervention techniques. Accompanies individuals to appointments as necessary. Providing support and motivation through interactions with clients. Participates in close observation of clients at SDDC. Redirects unacceptable behavior if possible and applies physical restraint if necessary, utilizing non-violent crisis intervention techniques to defuse potentially violent situations. This position would be responsible for administering medications and treatments to clients and maintains medication records to ensure accurate dispensing of medications.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must complete the South Dakota Medication Certification course. A licensed nurse may delegate the administration of medications authorized only to unlicensed assistive personnel who have a minimum of high school education or the equivalent and who are registered with the Board of Nursing.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

  • Current Medication Certification or past experience passing medications.

Knowledge of:
  • techniques used in conducting teaching plans for people with developmental disabilities;
  • facility routine;
  • basic social skills;
  • principles of basic human behavior;
  • safety procedures and practices;
  • basic health care;
  • protective health measures;
  • physical and emotional needs of people served.

Skill to:

  • Prepare routine reports;
  • follow established policies and procedures;
  • carry out procedures of teaching or treatment plans with people served;
  • understand and apply instructions;
  • communicate information clearly and concisely;
  • compare information and recognize discrepancies;
  • use a computer and applicable data entry software;
  • quickly analyze and react to emergency and stressful situations while remaining calm;
  • exercise tact and discretion in dealing with others.


Ability to:

  • be a positive role model;
  • make effective decisions in emergencies;
  • lead the people in assigned tasks;
  • provide academic guidance;
  • follow established policies and procedures;
  • carry out procedures of teaching or treatment plans with people served;
  • accurately observe and report individuals' behavior and other responses to treatment;
  • establish and maintain good working relationships with staff and persons served;
  • provide work direction to staff regarding methods to assist people with developmental disabilities as needed;
  • prepare routine reports.


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 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=1FI
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
South Dakota State Government
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501