SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

Job description

About La Crosse County: At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Why Join La Crosse County? • Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program. • Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage. • Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually. • Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued. Overview FLSA NON-EXEMPT: This position provides direct care, supervision, and support to youth residing in the County’s juvenile detention center or shelter facility. Staff are responsible for ensuring safety, fostering youth development, and implementing program activities in compliance with Wisconsin D.C.F. 59 and DOC 346 State Statutes, as well as facility policies and procedures. This role requires maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment while consistently modeling positive behavior and upholding professional standards. Essential Leadership Functions Act with Integrity and Build Trust • Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions • Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints • Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives Drive for Results • Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes • Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results • Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring Develop Talent and Effective Teams • Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth • Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential • Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team Lead with Vision and Strategy • Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals • Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives • Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking • Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives • Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment • Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others Build and Maintain Effective Relationships • Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization • Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking • Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service • Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community • Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes • Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence • Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations • Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks • Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others Essential Job Functions Conduct youth intake and admission procedures, including documentation, legal paperwork, and property inventory. Supervise and monitor youth during meals, recreation, education, chores, and structured programming. Observe, document, and report youth behaviors, concerns, and progress using case management systems. Provide emotional support and teach self-regulation and positive coping strategies. Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly facility environment; assist with meals, laundry, and housekeeping. Respond to emergencies with appropriate interventions, including crisis management, evacuation, and CPR. Attend required trainings and meetings; maintain compliance with all state and program requirements. Uphold confidentiality and demonstrate professional, respectful communication with youth, families, and staff. Physical Demands: Regular walking, standing, bending, and lifting light items; occasional lifting/dragging of youth during emergencies. Sensory Demands: Near/far vision, active listening, and verbal communication essential for supervision. Risk Exposure Categories: 1. Direct exposure to blood/body fluids during emergency interventions 2. Indirect exposure while assisting in related tasks 3. No expected exposure during standard tasks Related Job Function This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.[1] Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge Adolescent Development – Typical/atypical growth, emotional and social development. Trauma-Informed Care – Impact of ACEs, abuse, and neglect on youth behavior. Juvenile Justice System – DOC 346, PREA standards, court processes, and youth rights. Behavioral Management – Positive interventions, de-escalation, and crisis response. Cultural Competency – Respecting diversity of culture, race, gender identity, and socioeconomic background. Safety & Security – Emergency protocols, searches, contraband prevention, and facility operations. Health & Mental Health – Awareness of common diagnoses, suicide risk, and medication protocols. Case Management – Accurate record-keeping, progress notes, and incident documentation. Community Resources – Education, vocational, counseling, and re-entry supports. Skills Clear and respectful communication with youth, families, and professionals. Conflict resolution and mediation of disputes. Strong observation and assessment skills to monitor risks and behavior. Crisis intervention techniques, verbal and physical if necessary. Ability to build trusting relationships with youth while maintaining professional boundaries. Group facilitation for structured activities and discussions. Organization and time management to handle routines and documentation. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (probation, mental health, education, law enforcement). Computer literacy for documentation and reporting. Abilities Maintain professional boundaries while showing empathy and fairness. Adapt to changing youth needs and facility operations. Stay emotionally regulated in high-stress situations. Make sound decisions quickly under pressure. Demonstrate physical stamina for standing, walking, and emergency interventions. Enforce rules consistently and fairly. Protect confidentiality and uphold ethical standards. Encourage youth mentorship, growth, and goal setting. Identify risks and act with strong safety awareness. Training & Experience Requirements High school diploma or GED required. Preference for post-secondary education in criminal justice, human services, or a related field. Prior experience in juvenile justice, corrections, or human services preferred. Verification of prior employment required under Wisconsin law. Availability to work varied shifts and remain onsite for 8–16 hours. Completion of 160-hour Secure Detention Officer Certification within the first year; must maintain annual 24-hour recertification. Must pass reference checks, physical evaluation, drug screen, and criminal background check (no felony convictions). Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Per DOC 346.22(2)(d): Adolescent Services Workers of the same gender as the youth population must be on duty in living areas. Finalists may be considered based on this bona fide occupational qualification. Other Duties This description is not exhaustive. Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as assigned to support facility operations. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at . Application Process: All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.