SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - ADOLESCENT CENTER

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Adolescent Services Worker 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for post-secondary education in criminal justice, human services, or a related field.
• Prior experience in juvenile justice, corrections, or human services preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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