Social Service Specialist - Juvenile Detention Center

Job Opportunity at La Crosse County

At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Why Join La Crosse County?

• 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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview

FLSA NON-EXEMPT:
This position 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.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with Integrity and Build Trust
• 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
• Drive for Results
• 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
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams
• 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
• Lead with Vision and Strategy
• 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
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking
• 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
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships
• 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
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service
• 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
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
• 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

Essential Job Functions

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

Related Job Function

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge Adolescent…