Posted Thursday, July 31, 2025, 1:00 AM
About 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.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This 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 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.

KNOWLEDGE

• Adolescent Development – Understanding normal and atypical physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development in youth.
• Trauma-Informed Care – Knowledge of how trauma, abuse, neglect, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect behavior and coping.
• Juvenile Justice System – Awareness of laws, regulations (e.g., DOC 346, PREA), court processes, and youth rights.
• Behavioral Management Practices – Knowledge of positive behavior interventions, de-escalation strategies, and crisis intervention models.
• Cultural Competency – Understanding and respecting diversity in culture, race, gender identity, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Safety and Security Protocols – Knowledge of facility operations, emergency procedures, searches, counts, and contraband control.
• Health and Mental Health Awareness – Basic knowledge of common youth mental health diagnoses, substance use issues, suicide risk, and medication protocols.
• Case Management and Documentation – Familiarity with accurate record-keeping, progress notes, and incident reports.
• Community Resources – Knowledge of educational, vocational, counseling, and recreational resources for youth transition and re-entry.

SKILLS

• Communication – Ability to interact effectively with youth, families, co-workers, and professionals using clear and respectful language.
• Conflict Resolution – Skilled at mediating disputes, de-escalating tense situations, and redirecting negative behaviors.
• Observation and Assessment – Skill in recognizing behavior patterns, identifying risks, and monitoring compliance with rules.
• Crisis Intervention – Proficiency in applying safe and approved intervention techniques (verbal and physical if necessary).
• Relationship-Building – Ability to establish trust, set boundaries, and model positive behavior for youth.
• Group Facilitation – Skill in leading structured activities, group discussions, or life-skills sessions.
• Organization and Time Management – Effectively managing schedules, youth routines, and required documentation.
• Collaboration – Working as part of a multidisciplinary team (probation, mental health, education, law enforcement).
• Computer and Documentation Skills – Using electronic systems for case notes, reports, and data entry accurately.

ABILITIES

• Maintain Professional Boundaries – Ability to balance authority, empathy, and fairness in interactions with youth.
• Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changing situations, youth needs, and facility operations.
• Emotional Regulation – Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Decision-Making – Ability to quickly assess situations and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Physical Stamina – Capability to stand, walk, and engage in physical intervention if necessary.
• Consistency – Ability to enforce rules fairly and predictably while modeling pro-social behavior.
• Confidentiality and Ethics – Ability to protect sensitive information and adhere to professional standards.
• Mentorship and Guidance – Ability to encourage positive youth development and goal-setting.
• Safety Awareness – Ability to identify risks, prevent incidents, and respond to emergencies appropriately.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 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.
  Per WI Department of Corrections Administrative Code (DOC 346.22 (2) (d)): An officer of the same gender as the juveniles being admitted or held in custody shall be on duty in the living area. Because of this bona fide occupational qualification, finalists may be limited to the gender needed in the facility at the time of the recruitment.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned to meet operational needs.