Social Service Specialist - Juvenile Detention Center

Adolescent Services Worker

FLSA NON-EXEMPT:
Male position that works 6:00pm to 6:00am with every other weekend off. 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.

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives
• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team
• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully
• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders
• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization
• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

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.

Physical Demands:
Regular walking, standing, bending, and lifting light items; occasional lifting/dragging of youth during emergencies. Sensory Demands:
Near/far vision, active listening, and verbal communication essential for supervision.

Risk Exposure Categories:
1. Direct exposure to blood/body fluids during emergency interventions
2. Indirect exposure while assisting in related tasks 3. No expected exposure during standard tasks

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…