SOCIAL WORKER - YOUTH JUSTICE

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

1d

About The Position

A youth justice social worker plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering young people who are involved with the justice system. These professionals work alongside youths who have experienced challenges with the law, focusing on their strengths and potential for positive change. Youth justice social workers collaborate with individuals under the age of 18 who are navigating the complexities of the legal system.
Their primary goal is to help these young people enhance their strengths, develop their skills, and create opportunities for growth and rehabilitation. By emphasizing each youth's unique abilities and resilience, social workers aim to foster a path towards positive outcomes and maintain youth in their communities.

Requirements

• Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work (or a related degree of Sociology, Psychology or Criminal Justice).
• Requires basic computer keyboarding skills for entering data related to clients. Must have valid driver's license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel.
• Requires certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker. If not certified at the time of application for employment with La Crosse County, must have applied to the State of Wisconsin for a Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular Certification within specified time limits.
• Must be versed in Chapters 48, 51, 55 and 938 of the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Rules relating to detention.
• Must be available to work outside normal work hours and be available for on-call duties.
• Must have (or obtain within one year) 30 hours of Juvenile Court Intake training.

Nice To Haves

• Strong preference for minimum of one year of experience working with youth and families, and familiarity with community resources available to them.
• Strong preference for certification at time of hire.
• Preference will be given for knowledge in eWISACWIS.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback, and demonstrates ability to learn and apply.
• Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking. Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change, and emotional intelligence.
• Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically.
• Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work.
• Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships. Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.
• Provides social services per Wisconsin Statutes, court policies, and/or requirements of the program, state, or federal guidelines.
• Accepts requests and referrals for agency services.
• Utilizes a family systems approach and implements strength-based practices to enhance the family's natural, informal supports.
• Conducts assessment and planning: Develops, implements, monitors, and modifies case plans in partnership with youth and their families.
• Explains the scope of the agency's services and discusses the client's rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of such services.
• Arranges or provides appropriate social services for clients based on assessments of needs.
• Provides comprehensive and supportive coaching, modeling, and guidance to address social, emotional, educational, and health issues.
• Conducts regular case evaluations and develops and updates service plans accordingly.
• Maintains case records containing pertinent, accurate, and current information. Ensures timely, accurate, and client-focused case documentation, including preparation of legal documents for juvenile court.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, and other records as required.
• Fully completes required documentation in a timely fashion and in accordance with program requirements.
• Coordinates or participates in team meetings. Participates in committees and task forces as assigned.
• Attends court proceedings to testify, as necessary or required, and provides dispositional reports within appropriate timeframes.
• Performs duties and responsibilities as defined in Chapter 938 of the Wisconsin Statutes and established court procedures.
• Works cooperatively with team members and participates in collaborative efforts both internally and with external agencies.
• Participates in on-call rotation including nights, weekends, and holidays, and responds to calls for Youth Justice after-hours calls.
• 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 (3.13).
• Adheres to approved social worker principles, methods, and practices, including the National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) code of ethics.
• Maintains skill and competence levels as policies and regulations change by attending department/staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate.
• Reports to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave. Employee is expected to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.
• In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative, and respectful at all times with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative, and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public officials.
• Assists and provides backup to other Social Workers as necessary or required.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, or during community emergencies and/or disasters when work may vary from normal job responsibilities.
• Assists student interns assigned to the unit.
• May research data for writing grants related to youth justice programs.

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