SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER - PART TIME

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the nation’s most respected pension programs.
• Countywide insurance plans plus expanding access to local, no‑cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, with vacation accrual starting on day one and the ability to bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual.
• Build up to 150 sick days as a full‑time employee.
• An inclusive culture that reflects the community, fostering respect, inclusion, and belonging.

Overview

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt. The Social Services Specialist provides direct care, supervision, and support to youth housed in the County’s Secure Juvenile Detention and Shelter Care. Staff ensure safety, promote positive youth development, and implement daily programming in accordance with Wisconsin DCF 59, DOC 346, and all facility policies and procedures. The role requires maintaining a structured, supportive, and professional environment while modeling positive behavior.

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 improvement opportunities, hold self and others accountable, and monitor outcomes.
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams – Foster collaboration, provide mentorship, recognize diverse strengths, and support growth.
• Lead with Vision and Strategy – Communicate a compelling vision, develop and execute long‑term strategies, and connect daily work to the bigger picture.
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking – Navigate complex situations, adapt quickly to change, and make critical decisions using analytical skills.
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships – Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, influence through coaching, and develop partnerships.
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service – Understand community needs, incorporate perspectives, and drive positive initiatives.
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence – Show self‑awareness, manage emotions, seek feedback, and balance empathy with accountability.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct youth intake and admission procedures, including documentation, legal paperwork, and property inventory.
• Provide direct supervision of youth during meals, recreation, education, chores, and structured programming.
• Observe, document, and report youth behaviors and progress in case management systems.
• Provide emotional support, teaching self‑regulation and positive coping strategies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly facility; assist with meals, laundry, and housekeeping tasks.
• Respond to emergencies using appropriate crisis‑management and safety protocols, including evacuation and CPR.
• Attend required trainings and meetings; stay compliant with state regulations and program standards.
• Uphold confidentiality and maintain professional, respectful communication with youth, families, and coworkers.

Physical Demands

• Regular walking, standing, bending, and lifting of light items.
• Occasional lifting or physically restraining youth during emergency situations.
• Adequate vision, listening, and verbal communication essential for proper supervision.
• Physical stamina for daily supervision and emergency response.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of adolescent development (typical and atypical).
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care and the impacts of ACEs.
• Familiarity with juvenile‑justice standards, including DOC 346, PREA, and court processes.
• Skills in positive behavioral interventions, de‑escalation, and crisis response.
• Cultural competency and respect for diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Knowledge of safety and security protocols, searches, and contraband prevention.
• Basic awareness of mental health, suicide risk, and medication procedures.
• Strong documentation skills, including case notes and incident reporting.
• Knowledge of community resources (education, vocational programs, counseling, re‑entry).
• Clear, respectful communication with youth, families, and professionals.
• Conflict resolution and mediation abilities.
• Strong observational and risk‑assessment skills.
• Crisis intervention skills, both verbal and physical when necessary.
• Ability to build trusting youth relationships while maintaining boundaries.
• Group facilitation skills for structured programming.
• Strong organization and time‑management skills.