ADOLESCENT SERVICES WORKER - Full Time and Part Time
- La Crosse, WI
- Permanent
- Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Adolescent Services SupervisorsPosition OverviewThis position provides direct care and supervision to youth residing in the County’s juvenile detention center or shelter facility. Adolescent Services Workers are responsible for ensuring safety, supporting youth development, and implementing program activities in accordance with Wisconsin D.C.F. 59, H.F.S. 34 and DOC 346 State Statutes, as well as facility operations guidelines. Work involves maintaining a safe and supportive environment while adhering to established rules, regulations, and procedures.Essential Leadership Competencies
- Act with Integrity & Build Trust: Demonstrate respect, honesty, and humility; maintain confidentiality.
- Drive for Results: Set clear goals, hold self and others accountable, and seek process improvements.
- Develop Talent & Foster Teamwork: Encourage collaboration, provide support, and leverage team strengths.
- Lead with Vision & Strategy: Align daily work with organizational goals and long-term objectives.
- Think Critically & Adapt: Exercise sound judgment, remain flexible, and navigate complex situations.
- Build Effective Relationships: Collaborate with staff, youth, families, and community partners.
- Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence: Maintain self-awareness, manage emotions, and balance empathy with accountability.
- Complete youth intake and admission procedures, including documentation, legal paperwork, and inventorying personal items.
- Supervise and monitor youth during daily activities, including meals, recreation, education, and facility chores.
- Observe, document, and report youth behavior, concerns, and progress in case management systems.
- Provide emotional support and encourage youth to develop self-regulation and positive coping skills.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment; assist with meal service, laundry, and facility cleaning.
- Respond to emergencies, including crisis intervention, evacuation, or administering CPR from a kneeling position.
- Attend mandatory trainings and staff meetings; maintain compliance with all program and State requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional, respectful communication with staff, youth, families, and the public.
- Regular walking, standing, bending, and lifting light items; occasional lifting/dragging of youth in emergencies.
- Frequent verbal communication and active supervision across the facility.
- Near and far vision and active listening required to monitor youth and facility safety.
- Risk Exposure Categories:
2 – Indirect exposure when assisting in related tasks
3 – No expected exposure during standard tasksKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Working knowledge of juvenile laws, youth development, and confidentiality standards.
- Ability to engage and support youth with mental health, developmental, or behavioral challenges.
- Strong observation, decision-making, and crisis management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, community partners, and families.
- Basic computer skills (Word, Outlook, case documentation systems).
- Ability to administer CPR and successfully complete required training.
- Graduation from high school or GED.
- Preference for advanced education in criminal justice or human services or related field.
- Previous work experience with juvenile delinquents, youth, corrections, human services or similar facility.
- Verification of previous employment per Wisconsin Statutes.
- Must be available to work all shifts and remain on the unit for 8 to 16 hours without leaving.
- Must obtain certification per Department of Justice Training and Standards requirements as Secure Detention Officer, which requires 160-hr. training program to be completed within the first year of employment. Must maintain Secure Detention Officer certification during employment which requires 24 hours of training annually. Persons not meeting certification cannot work in the facility.
- Successful completion of reference check, physical evaluation, and criminal background check acceptable to the State Training and Standards Bureau, which includes no felony convictions.
- Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.
- Must successfully pass pre-employment drug screen.