SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

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. The role requires maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment while consistently modeling positive behavior and upholding professional standards.

Benefits

• 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): Commitment to an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with Integrity and Build Trust – Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty; speak up appropriately; actively listen and remain open‑minded to diverse perspectives.
• Drive for Results – Set clear goals, seek process improvements, hold self and others accountable, and monitor outcomes.
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams – Foster collaboration, provide mentorship, recognize diverse strengths, and encourage knowledge sharing.
• Lead with Vision and Strategy – Communicate a compelling vision, develop comprehensive strategies, and connect daily work to larger organizational goals.
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking – Navigate complex situations, adapt quickly to change, and make critical decisions using analytical skills and input from others.
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships – Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, influence through coaching, and develop partnerships that create positive outcomes.
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service – Understand community needs, incorporate perspectives into decision‑making, and drive initiatives that create positive impacts.
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence – Show self‑awareness, manage emotions, respond constructively to feedback, and balance empathy with accountability.

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 include regular walking, standing, bending, and lifting light items; occasional lifting/dragging of youth during emergencies.
• Sensory demands include near/far vision, active listening, and verbal communication essential for supervision.
• Risk exposure includes direct exposure to blood/body fluids during emergency interventions and indirect exposure while assisting in related tasks.

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 (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

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 jobs@lacrossecounty.org.