ADOLESCENT SERVICES WORKER
- La Crosse, WI
- Permanent
- Full-time
Department: Human Services Department – Children and Families Section, Western Regional Adolescent Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Adolescent Services SupervisorsPosition OverviewThe 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.Essential Leadership CompetenciesAct with Integrity & Build Trust – Demonstrate respect, honesty, humility, and maintain confidentiality.Drive for Results – Set clear goals, hold self and others accountable, and pursue continuous improvement.Develop Talent & Foster Teamwork – Encourage collaboration, support peers, and leverage team strengths.Lead with Vision & Strategy – Align daily work with organizational goals and long-term objectives.Think Critically & Adapt – Apply sound judgment, flexibility, and effective problem-solving.Build Effective Relationships – Collaborate with youth, families, colleagues, and community partners.Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence – Remain self-aware, manage emotions, and balance empathy with accountability.Essential Job FunctionsConduct 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 & Risk ExposurePhysical 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:Direct exposure to blood/body fluids during emergency interventionsIndirect exposure while assisting in related tasksNo expected exposure during standard tasksKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledgeAdolescent 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 socioeconomic background.Safety & Security – Emergency protocols, searches, contraband prevention, and facility operations.Health & Mental Health – Awareness of common diagnoses, suicide risk, and medication protocols.Case Management – Accurate record-keeping, progress notes, and incident documentation.Community Resources – Education, vocational, counseling, and re-entry supports.SkillsClear and respectful communication with youth, families, and professionals.Conflict resolution and mediation of disputes.Strong observation and assessment skills to monitor risks and behavior.Crisis intervention techniques, verbal and physical if necessary.Ability to build trusting relationships with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.Group facilitation for structured activities and discussions.Organization and time management to handle routines and documentation.Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (probation, mental health, education, law enforcement).Computer literacy for documentation and reporting.AbilitiesMaintain professional boundaries while showing empathy and fairness.Adapt to changing youth needs and facility operations.Stay emotionally regulated in high-stress situations.Make sound decisions quickly under pressure.Demonstrate physical stamina for standing, walking, and emergency interventions.Enforce rules consistently and fairly.Protect confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.Encourage youth mentorship, growth, and goal-setting.Identify risks and act with strong safety awareness.Training & Experience RequirementsHigh school diploma or GED required.Preference for post-secondary education in criminal justice, human services, or a related field.Prior experience in juvenile justice, corrections, or human services preferred.Verification of prior employment required under Wisconsin law.Availability to work varied shifts and remain onsite for 8–16 hours.Completion of 160-hour Secure Detention Officer Certification within the first year; must maintain annual 24-hour recertification.Must pass reference checks, physical evaluation, drug screen, and criminal background check (no felony convictions).Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.Per DOC 346.22(2)(d): Officers of the same gender as the youth population must be on duty in living areas. Finalists may be considered based on this bona fide occupational qualification.Other DutiesThis description is not exhaustive. Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as assigned to support facility operations.