Human Service Worker

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee County is seeking a Human Services Worker for Youth Justice - Probation Services. The role provides mandated services to youth and families, conducting intake, court documentation, and ongoing supervision of adjudicated youth and JIPS clients.

The position emphasizes collaboration with courts, families, and other agencies, ensuring timely referrals, service planning, and case documentation. A Wisconsin residence, relevant qualifications, and travel within the county are required.

Qualifications

• Must be a current resident of Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin driver’s license and access to a reliable insured vehicle.
• One of the following qualifications will be considered: High School Diploma/GED + 10 years in Youth Justice/related field; Associate degree + 2 years; Bachelor’s degree in related field.

Responsibilities

• Handle intake of youth referred for adjudication, DOC, and JIPS.
• Attend court hearings and prepare reports for court regarding youth status and services.
• Meet with clients and families to assess behavior and intervention needs.
• Coordinate with professionals involved with the client via phone, email, or meetings.

Skills

Computer skills

Travel readiness

Physical ability

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree in human services/Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s degree in human services/Criminal Justice

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Closing Date: September 25th, 2026, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions

Human Services Worker

Youth Justice - Probation Services

Hourly Range: $25.37 – $38.03

JOB SUMMARY: The primary function of the Human Service Worker (HSW) is to provide the State of Wisconsin-mandated services to accomplish the mission of the Children, Youth, and Family Services department. The role is responsible for meeting the needs of youth and families while maintaining community safety. HSWs provide both direct and indirect services by performing court intake activities; completing court documentation for upcoming court hearings; and all ongoing supervision of adjudicated delinquent or Juvenile in Need of Protective Services (JIPS) clients (ages 10 to 17).

JOB DUTIES:

• Intake of youth referred for adjudication, Department of Corrections (DOC), and JIPS. Follow all applicable policies/procedures (i.e., intake interview with the family, gather assessment information through the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI), submit referrals and recommendations within timelines).
• Attend all court hearings related to the client and provide written and oral reports to Courts regarding the youth's status. Give recommendations for placement/services, DOC extensions, waiver studies, testify at contested hearings if needed, and arrange for court-ordered services/programs.
• Meet (in the office, virtually, and in the community) with the client and family/placement to determine the youth's current behavior and the possible need for intervention (e.g., arranging other services, doing UAs, GPS, 72-hour holds, suggesting behavior strategies, sanctions, other court activity, etc.).
• Maintain contact with other professionals involved with a client, via phone, virtually, e-mail, or in meetings. Check school attendance, therapy/program participation, and community service. Respond to inquiries from police or other agencies regarding youth's behavior.
• Routinely and professionally document all case activity, including case notes; follow guidelines for case plans and reassessments (YASI). Maintain case records and files in an organized and accessible manner.
• Meet with the unit supervisor to discuss cases for case planning and/or assistance with case concerns. Follow agency protocol for staffing cases for court recommendations or referring cases back to the court regarding program/service provision for clients.
• Based on the youth's behavior or needs, prepare, and submit documents such as capias requests, sanction motions, revisions for programs or out-of-home placements, motions to lift stays, extensions, compliance reports, etc.
• Provision of coverage (both partner coverage and daily section coverage monthly), attend unit and section meetings, Synthesis service authorizations, authorization of Dayforce, submission of mileage forms, workgroups, and mandatory training.
• Travel outside of Milwaukee County to visit youth in a secure placement (i.e., Lincoln Hills School (LHS), Copper Lake School (CLS), Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center (MJTC)).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a current resident of the State of Wisconsin.
• Current Wisconsin Driver's License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; both maintained throughout employment.
• Candidates with one of the following qualifications will be considered:
  • High School Diploma/GED equivalent withten (10)yearsof experience in Youth Justice, Case Management, or related field.
  • Associate degree in human services, Criminal Justice, related field, OR proof of graduation at the time of scheduled interview withtwo (2) yearsof related work experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in human services, Criminal Justice, related field, OR proof of graduation at the time of scheduled interview.
• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to lift/carry 15lbs and pull/push up to 20lbs when needed.
• Ability to travel15% of work time.

Note: Appointee must pass State Intake Training within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Delinquency Division policies and procedures; knowledge of youth justice practices; knowledge of Probation and Aftercare regulations and statutory regulations and requirements; case management skills; supervisory/management skills; oral and communication skills; problem-solving skills; decision-making skills; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION