JSS - SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

17h

About The Position

This role provides office/clerical support, justice-system and resource navigation, and extraordinary customer service to participants in the Justice Support Services Section of the Human Services Department as well as various other community members and stakeholders. Duties involve assisting individuals transitioning from incarceration or other justice-system involvement back into the community through resource navigation and support, monitoring daily activities of participants who are court ordered to electronic monitoring and recording and reporting this information, facilitating drug and alcohol testing, and assisting. This role interacts with several agencies and persons, including jail inmates, community resources, and justice-system partners. There is a strong preference for candidates who bring lived experience to the role.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.
• Previous experience in an office setting or customer service position with proven record of handling attention to details accurately and follow-up/thoroughness skills.
• Experience using computer databases, web-based programs and other computer software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of persons, including jail inmates, and to deal with the public and to establish good working relationships with County officials, related agencies and other employees.
• Ability to keenly observe activities of program participants.
• Ability to operate general office equipment such as word processor and copying machines.
• Ability to make simple computations either manually or by machine.
• Aptitude for administrative operations.
• Ability to manage different types of electronic monitoring equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions of specific nature.
• Ability to read, write and calculate release dates.
• Ability to enter data accurately, perform basic word processing functions, use e-mail and other computer programs.
• Ability to work with confidential records and keep confidentiality.
• Ability to use independent judgment in carrying out assigned tasks.
• Ability to keep a variety of records.
• Must be patient, have pleasant disposition and ability to multitask while displaying a calm demeanor.
• Must have flexibility in availability for work which will include weekday, weekend, holiday and evening hours.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using GPS (global positioning) software is a plus.
• There is a strong preference for candidates who bring lived experience to the role.
• Preference for persons who have worked with the jail inmate population.
• Experience working with persons who are chemically dependent or who have mental illness is helpful. Good interpersonal and verbal skills for dealing appropriately with jail inmates and the public.

Responsibilities

• Assists program clients with all aspects of case conditions that they are required to meet.
• Maintains confidentiality of client-related information, maintains respectful treatment of clients, and adheres to the La Crosse County Standards of Conduct in the Administrative Code (3.08).
• Maintains skill and competence levels as policies and procedures change by attending department/staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate.
• Frequent contact with participants and many external stakeholders (i.e. court, law enforcement, community agencies, family members, and the general public).
• Arranges for or assists participants with a range of supportive services to facilitate reaching their goals, i.e. financial, housing, access to social and physical supports, physical navigation of courthouse and/or transportation to community resources.
• Engages and facilitates relationships with community agencies. Hooks up GPS and Remote Breath devices for participants. Advises the participants of the program rules and the operation of the device. This function requires physical contact with participant.
• Trouble-shoots equipment issues, submits schedules, accesses GPS database, reviews reports and documents notable events. Observes participant alcohol and drug testing, documents notable events, and delivers samples to the lab for testing.
• Gathers and organizes data and generates reports as assigned. Assists professional staff in delivery of services or functions.
• Interviews clients to assist professional staff such as determining eligibility for services and providing referral information.
• Assists in maintaining case records and reports.
• Organizes and disseminate documents, reports and letters. Keeps basic records and routine supportive paperwork.
• Tracks clients, caseloads or service programs. Conducts risk and needs assessments.
• Receives referrals via phone, walk-in, mail or computer and enter information in computer database. Gathers necessary data in order to provide options to people accessing JSS services.
• Performs administrative duties: answers phone, takes messages, handles inquiries, and refers callers to appropriate personnel and/or resources. Completes progress notes and submits written correspondence to internal and external stakeholders, and uses various office equipment (i.e. computer, telephone, copier, and fax).

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED