Director of Juvenile Services

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

Job ID: 35756

Agency: Department of Corrections - Prison Operations

Location: Pierre or Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Salary: $96,883.20 to $133,000.00 annually, depending on experience

Pay Grade: GN

Closing Date: 05/11/2026

This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit https://doc.sd.gov/ .

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3Hwg99jTg&t=9s .

The Director of Juvenile Services provides statewide executive leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight for the South Dakota Department of Corrections Juvenile Services. The director oversees the custody, care and community supervision of juveniles committed to the State's care while driving continuous improvement in outcomes and enhancing public safety.

The Director is responsible for ensuring the quality of care with contracted service providers. Directs policy development, program implementation, and standards for all juvenile services operations.

The Director also oversees South Dakota's participation in the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• a strong background in juvenile justice, with demonstrated ability for leading high performing teams, managing budgets and contracts within a complex environment, building strong partnerships and translating vision into measurable public safety results;
• proven leadership experience with a track record of delivering results;
• Bachelor's degree or higher in public administration, criminal justice, or other closely related human services field preferred;
• at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in justice system administration, behavioral health programing, or other human services related field, including 3 years in a senior leadership role;
• knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and agency polices;
• strong knowledge of evidence based juvenile interventions and program evaluation principles;
• strong communication, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills;
• passionate about public service and making a difference for youth, families and community;
• strong commitment to continuous quality improvement and innovation in juvenile justice services.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management: Provide visionary leadership to the juvenile services team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance juvenile services operations in alignment with organizational goals.
• Contract and Vendor Oversight-Negotiate, finalize and manage all juvenile services contracts with external providers, (e.g., residential providers, community based and other service providers), ensuring compliance with state/agency regulations, best practices in serving youth and in alignment with the divisions budget and organizational goals.
• Operational Efficiency-Oversee the day-to day statewide operations of the division of juvenile services, including staffing levels, FTE management, budgeting and resource allocation.
• Training development-Oversee workforce development efforts, including training and development of staff in coordination with agency training advisory committee, to retain highly competent, service-oriented staff who ensure intake, case management, and supervision services are designed to assist with successful youth reentry.
• Financial Management & Internal Control monitoring-Monitor and manage juvenile services budgets. Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies. Ensure compliance as internal control owner for juvenile services control measures.
• Stakeholder Engagement-Build strategic internal and external relationships to drive sustainable change. Partner with state agencies and national partners to enhance coordination of services for youth with behavioral health or substance use disorder needs. Serve on advisory committees and juvenile justice councils. Serve as a liaison with State's attorney's, law enforcement agencies, state agencies and other entities involved in the division of juvenile services goals.
• Legislative processes-knowledge of legislative processes and ability to represent the agency on various committees and legislative activities related to the division of juvenile services.

Work Environment

• This position will be based in Pierre or Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
• Must be able to travel regularly.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug 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=3XM

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"