Human Services

Based in Pierre, the Human Services division offers a wide range of programs across South Dakota.

Division Director: Brooke Lusk
Phone: 605-224-6287
Email: blusk@tie.net

Primary Programs:

Tobacco Prevention
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative works collaboratively with the South Dakota Department of Health to provide tobacco prevention services in the central and western regions of South Dakota, prevention and cessation training statewide, as well as coordination of statewide tobacco cessation services. These activities are provided to assist the Department of Health with these goals:

• Preventing people from starting to use tobacco products,
• Reducing the number of nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke, and,
• Helping current tobacco users quit.

http://doh.sd.gov/Tobacco/Default.aspx

Transition Planning Services
Through a cooperative agreement with the state Departments of Education and Human Services, the Transition Services Liaison Project assists students with disabilities in making the transition from high school to post-school life a meaningful experience. Families, schools, and adult services agencies are typically involved. http://tslp.org/

DakotaLink
South Dakotans whose day-to-day functioning is limited by a disability or aging can turn to DakotaLink. It’s the first step toward acquiring assistive technology devices or services.
dakotalink.tie.net

Youth Leadership Forum
YLF is a unique career and leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors who learn about self-advocacy, disability awareness, and more. http://tslp.org/YLF.htm

Colorectal Cancer Program
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative helps the GetScreenedSD program coordinate activities that promote early detection of colorectal cancer. Men and women age 50 and older who meet income guidelines are eligible for colorectal cancer screening through GetScreenedSD. http://www.getscreened.sd.gov/screened/index.aspx

Community Employment Options
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative staff provide job coaching and job development services to students and adults with disabilities in western and central South Dakota. Staff assist people with disabilities achieve their employment goals. More information: 1-800-224-5336.

Patient Navigation Services
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative staff coordinate patient navigation services at several clinics in South Dakota through a contract with the state Department of Health. The three program goals are:

• Increase screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer,
• Assist those with abnormal screening results to receive diagnostic follow-up in a timely manner, and
• Assist those diagnosed with cancer to receive treatment in a timely manner.

South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
Staff assist SSI and SSDI beneficiaries in understanding how part-time, full-time, or seasonal work affects disability benefits and other federal, state, and local benefits. Staff can also answer questions about how working would affect health care benefits, SSA work incentives, and employment related work incentives offered by other programs. More information: 1-800-224-5336.

Worksite Wellness
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative staff assist the Department of Health in providing technical assistance, training, and resources to businesses interested in implementing worksite wellness activities for employees. http://www.healthysd.gov/Workplace/default.aspx