SOCIAL Service Specialist - Juvenile Detention & Shelter - Part-Time

Social Services Specialist

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt. The Social Services Specialist provides direct care, supervision, and support to youth housed in the County's Secure Juvenile Detention and Shelter Care. Staff ensure safety, promote positive youth development, and implement daily programming in accordance with Wisconsin DCF 59, DOC 346, and all facility policies and procedures. The role requires maintaining a structured, supportive, and professional environment while always modeling positive behavior.

Essential Leadership Functions

• 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. Always provides direct supervision of youth including during meals, recreation, education, chores, and structured programming. Observe, document, and report youth behaviors and progress in case management systems. Provide emotional support, including teaching self-regulation and positive coping strategies. Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly facility; assist with meals, laundry, and housekeeping tasks.

Respond to emergencies using appropriate crisis-management and safety protocols, including evacuation and CPR. Attend required trainings and meetings; stay compliant with state regulations and program standards. Uphold confidentiality and maintain professional, respectful communication with youth, families, and coworkers.

Physical Demands:
Regular walking, standing, bending, and lifting of light items; occasional lifting or physically restraining of youth during emergency situations. Adequate vision, listening, and verbal communication are essential for proper supervision.

Related Job Function

This job description is not intended to…