JSS - SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST

La Crosse County•La Crosse, WI

2d•Onsite

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 people and to deal with the public and to establish good working relationships with County officials, related agencies and other employees.
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 demonstrate patience, maintain a pleasant and professional demeanor, and be able to multitask while remaining calm and composed.
Must have flexibility in availability for work which will include weekday, weekend, holiday and evening hours.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience to the role.
Experience interacting with the criminal justice system.
Experience supporting individuals with substance use disorders or mental health challenges is valuable.

Responsibilities

Maintains frequent contact with participants and communicates regularly with courts, law enforcement, community agencies, family members, and the public.
Provides customer service through phone, walk-in, mail, and electronic communication, gathering necessary information and directing individuals to appropriate services or staff.
Assists participants in accessing supportive services such as financial resources, housing, transportation, and court navigation.
Installs and explains the operation of GPS and Remote Breath monitoring devices; performs required physical contact in accordance with program procedures.
Troubleshoots monitoring equipment, submits schedules, accesses GPS databases, reviews reports, and documents significant events.
Observes participant alcohol and drug testing, documents observations, and delivers samples to the laboratory.
Gathers, organizes, and reports data as assigned.
Maintains case records, progress notes, correspondence, and routine paperwork.
Tracks participants, caseloads, and program activities.
Conducts risk and needs assessments.
Collects necessary data to support eligibility determinations and provides accurate information to individuals accessing JSS services.
Assists professional staff in delivering program services and functions.