State Developmental Center Fighting Chronic Staff Shortage

REDFIELD, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield is dealing with a staff shortage, with more than 40 open full-time positions out of about 340.

The state-funded facility supports people with developmental disabilities. About 140 people live at the center and get round-the-clock care.

Center Director Jan Banghart tells the American News that the facility is chronically short on staff, with 25-40 open positions at any given time over the past decade.

Employees are required to work overtime to compensate for the staff shortages. Former counselor Erica Ishmael says many workers have quit just to get a break from work.

Banghart says the developmental center is using a variety of different options to advertise open positions.

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