Welfare Caseworker/Human Resource Specialist

Hutchinson County is looking for a full-time Welfare Caseworker/HR Specialist.

The Welfare Caseworker / HR Specialist provides professional case management services for the County Welfare program while also supporting core human resources functions for the county.

This position exercises independent judgment in assessing and assisting indigent clients, researching and developing welfare policies and programs, organizing department activities, and overseeing county welfare operations as directed by the County Commission. The role also serves as an advisor to county leadership on welfare issues, investigates assistance requests, and connects residents with state and federal resources.

In addition, this position performs key HR Specialist functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee records management, benefits and leave administration, compliance reporting, employee relations support, and policy implementation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

County Welfare Casework

Case Management & Client Services

• Provide professional case management services to indigent clients.
• Assess eligibility, determine assistance levels, and coordinate services and referrals.

Policy & Program Administration

• Conduct policy and program research and development.
• Organize and direct department programs and activities.
• Oversee the operation of the county welfare program as directed by the County Commission.

Commission & Government Coordination

• Provide information and updates to the County Commission on welfare matters.
• Implement decisions of the County Commission related to welfare services.

Intake & Eligibility Determination

• Investigate welfare assistance requests and application information.
• Verify residency, income, documentation, and emergency need to determine eligibility.

Resource Coordination

• Research available state and federal assistance programs.
• Connect clients with appropriate programs and community resources.

Records & Compliance

• Maintain professional and confidential case records.
• Ensure compliance with the County Poor Relief Program and applicable South Dakota Codified Laws.

Outreach & Reporting

• Develop informational materials and support community outreach efforts.
• Track caseloads, outcomes, and expenditures and prepare reports for the County Commission.

Human Resources Specialist Responsibilities

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Coordinate job postings, recruitment efforts, and hiring processes.
• Support hiring managers with screening and interviews.
• Prepare offer letters, conduct pre-employment checks, and coordinate new employee onboarding.

HR Administration

• Maintain job descriptions and assist with compensation and classification reviews.
• Ensure accurate employee data in the HRIS and process personnel actions.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Administer employee benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
• Manage qualifying life events and annual open enrollment.
• Coordinate leave administration including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, and other leave programs.

Employee Relations

• Serve as a resource for employee policy questions.
• Assist with documentation, fact-finding, and coordination of workplace concerns when needed.
• Support performance management processes and documentation.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain personnel files and retention schedules.
• Prepare required compliance reports and notices (EEO, OSHA logs, ACA reporting, I-9 audits, wage and hour records).
• Support compliance with federal and state employment laws and county policies.

Payroll Coordination

• Work with the County Auditor to ensure accurate payroll inputs and personnel changes.
• Assist with timekeeping corrections and maintain audit trails.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience in case management, social services, or public benefits administration preferred but not required.
• One (1) to two (2) years of HR generalist or HR specialist experience preferred but not required.

Licenses

• Valid driver’s license required.

Background Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check.
• May include a motor vehicle record check.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting pay for this position is $25.16 per hour.

The county offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Health insurance
• Participation in the South Dakota Retirement System
• Paid leave and holidays
• Other county benefits

Hutchinson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer