Youth Development & Safety Specialist

La Crosse County; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

La Crosse County seeks a Social Services Specialist to provide direct care and supervision for youth in detention and shelter care. You will help promote safety, document progress, and implement daily programming under Wisconsin guidelines, while modeling professional behavior.

The role requires strong crisis response, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care skills, plus adherence to state regulations and multidisciplinary teamwork within a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Post-secondary education in criminal justice, human services, or related fields preferred.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision of youth in detention and shelter care.
• Observe, document, and report youth behaviors and progress.
• Respond to emergencies with crisis-management and safety protocols.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly facility and uphold confidentiality.
• Attend trainings and stay compliant with state regulations and program standards.

Skills

Adolescent development

Trauma-informed care

Juvenile justice standards

De-escalation

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Post-secondary education in criminal justice or human services

Job description

La Crosse County seeks a Social Services Specialist to provide direct care and supervision for youth in detention and shelter care. You will help promote safety, document progress, and implement daily programming under Wisconsin guidelines, while modeling professional behavior.

The role requires strong crisis response, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care skills, plus adherence to state regulations and multidisciplinary teamwork within a demanding environment.