Youth Counselor Advanced - Milwaukee Youth Facility

State of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and holidays

Health insurance

Pension plan

457 retirement plan

Well Wisconsin Program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

State of Wisconsin's Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Corrections, seeks a Youth Counselor Advanced for the Milwaukee Youth Facility. The role leads Youth Counselors, plans operations, and assists social workers in delivering treatment while enforcing security procedures.

The position may require physical intervention with assaultive youth and includes training staff, supervising rounds, and maintaining youth welfare and public safety at all times.

Qualifications

• A 38 question situational judgement test will determine minimal qualification.
• Demonstrate judgement in conflict resolution and safety scenarios.
• Provide information and counseling to youth and staff.
• Maintain accountability and supervise staff in a secure setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train Youth Counselor staff in work areas.
• Plan, direct and coordinate work area operations.
• Deliver treatment services and ensure safety procedures.
• Provide case management assistance and discipline as needed.

Skills

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Providing information

Counseling

Safety and security

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Corrections, is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of youth placed in our care. Juvenile Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of youth through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin. The Department of Corrections is currently recruiting to fill multiple Youth Counselor Advanced positions at the new Milwaukee Youth Facility, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a re-announcement. If you applied previously, you need not apply again.

Position Summary

These positions serve as lead workers/trainers for all Youth Counselors assigned to a work area; assume the lead role in planning, establishing and directing work area operations; assist the work area social workers in the creation and implementation of a total treatment program. They have the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the delivery of treatment services within the work area, while ensuring that recognized security and safety procedures are followed. Supervise youth on all shifts to ensure the security of the institution, institution property and the safety and security of staff, youth and the public inside and outside the institution when youth are engaged in approved off-grounds activities; assure that the physical needs of assigned youth are maintained in the areas of food, clothing and general health; provide case management assistance and other treatment services to youth; and maintain order and discipline within the institution. Provide training and orientation to other institution staff on a regular basis. These positions may require physical intervention with assaultive and/or aggressive youth.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 05-32, with a starting pay of $37.08/hour, plus excellent benefits and scheduled increases. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A twelve month probationary period is required.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.

To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting. These positions are not eligible for remote work. These positions have physical requirements, including but not limited to: standing, walking, running, and pushing/pulling/lifting up to 50lbs; and must have the ability to work up to 16 hours per day, more than 40 hours per week on any shift based on operational needs. This may include weekends and holidays. These positions work within a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, may be required to go outside and supervise youth, work in noisy areas, and work in close physical proximity to youth and other staff. The Youth Counselor Advanced must possess a valid driver's licensed and be eligible to meet State of Wisconsin fleet requirements. This must be maintained throughout employment. A medical, drug, and fitness screening is required. Completion of the six week Facility Staff Training and Support (FSTS) - DJC is required.

Qualifications

A 38 question, multiple-choice situational judgement test will be used to determine if candidates are minimally qualified to continue in the selection process. Minimally qualified candidates will demonstrate effective judgement and decision-making in a variety of job-related situations related to:

• Problem solving and conflict resolution
• Providing information and counseling to individuals
• Safety and security
• Accountability
• Providing guidance to other staff

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Deadline to Apply

Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on October 22, 2026.

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