Social Service Specialist - Youth System of Care

Salary : NegotiableLocation : La Crosse, WIJob Type : Full TimeDepartment : Human ServicesDivision : Human Services-Justice Support ServicesOpening Date : 01 / 13 / 2025OverviewWant to make a difference in the lives of local youth?Do you have great organization and communication skills?We've got a job for you!Come grow your career with an organization that values and supports you to learn, grow, and develop. Join our collaborative, supportive, and results-driven team in a role that provides the opportunity to bring your whole self to work. Engage, lead, and drive your own learning and growth within the organization. La Crosse County leaders are committed to provide a supportive and inclusive work environment and are dedicated to your learning and development to grow in an organization that is deep in talent.The primary purpose of this role is to provide paraprofessional support to the Youth System of Care in the Justice Support Services Section of the Human Services Department. Interacts with youth, families and partner agencies and persons to develop and provide early intervention and prevention strategies. This is a full-time position working primarily in-person, Monday-Friday 9 : 00am-5 : 30pm.Pay Range : $20.72 - $25.49 Associate Experience - What's In It For You? Supportive, collaborative, inclusive, and diverse workforce. Career learning, development, and growth opportunities. Culture of respect and dignity, teamwork, honesty, and integrity. Serving your community in a purposeful and meaningful way. Flexibility with generous paid time-off benefits. Excellent benefits :

• Wisconsin Retirement System - Very stable and strong
• Health Insurance with options for free care
• Dental Insurance with comprehensive coverage
• Life Insurance with short and long-term disability We will be accepting applications until the right person is hired La Crosse County Respects Diversity Essential Job Functions Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and apply. Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking. Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change and emotional intelligence. Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically. Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work. Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships. Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.Accepts and processes referrals for System of Care services as directed by System of Care Administrator.Conducts thorough assessments through interviews, home visits and collateral investigations and develops prevention / early intervention strategies with guidance from the System of Care Administrator.Arranges or provides for appropriate community-based services for clients based on needs as directed by the System of Care Administrator.Maintains case records containing pertinent information and data. Prepares correspondence, reports and other records as required.Attends System of Care staff meetings and other meetings as directed by the System of Care Administrator.Assists in transportation arrangements, and connection to such things as therapy appointments, community service work, job search or interviews, positive community activities, etc.Assists youth in transportation to school, engagement with school personnel, advocacy for the student to ensure needs are being met, rewarding positive school attendance, etc.Maintains confidentiality of client-related information, maintain respectful treatment of clients, and adhere to the La Crosse County Standards of Conduct in the Administrative Code (3.08).Maintains skill and competence levels as policies and regulations change by attending department / staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Basic knowledge and understanding of human growth and behavior, including adolescent development.
• Basic knowledge of current and social economic problems and the way in which these problems affect families and individuals.
• Basic knowledge of agency and community resources, and how these resources may be used by people in need.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain excellent, professional communication with students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability and willingness to work hours outside a standard work week
• Ability to plan and organize work effectively.
• Ability to use computer, County email, internet and certain computer software programs.
• Ability to interview people, extract information and make good, independent judgements.
• Ability to relate to people in an unprejudiced and understanding manner with concerns for their circumstances and feelings.
• Ability to participate in, and appropriately use, supervision.
• Ability to participate in meaningful training or educational opportunities provided by the agency and other resources
• Ability to operate a variety of office related equipment (printers, copiers, computers, telephone).
• Ability to work with the System of Care Administrator an other System of Care staff to ensure program standards are maintained. Training, Experience and Other Requirements
• Preference for Associate Degree in education, human services, psychology, sociology or other related field.
• A minimum of one year experience working with school age children, with preference for experience working with children / adolescents with a variety of social, emotional, or behavioral barriers to learning.
• May consider other relevant combination of experience and training.
• May require availability to work evenings and / or weekends to meet client needs.
• Must have valid driver's license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel.Employees in this class are offered a comprehensive benefit package including : ~Health Insurance~Dental Insurance~Life Insurance~Wisconsin Retirement System~Vacation~Sick Leave~Holidays~Deferred Compensation~Section 125 - Flexible Spending AccountFor a more detailed overview of each of these benefits, please click

Salary : $21 - $25