Relief Youth Specialist

Under the general direction of the Youth Services Center (YSC) Supervisor, the Relief Youth Specialist provides direct supervision, security, guidance, and care to the youth at the Rock County Youth Services Center in accordance with the Mission Statement and Rock County/YSC policies and procedures.This position is utilized to cover open shifts created by full-time staff utilizing approved benefit time. Relief Youth Specialists are scheduled on an as-needed basis and may work a maximum of 25 hours per week.Relief Youth Specialists are required to work a minimum of 28 hours per month. Of these required hours, at least 16 hours must be worked on weekends. In addition, Relief Youth Specialists are required to work a minimum of two regularly scheduled holidays per calendar year.The position supports and promotes the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the Human Services Department (HSD) and performs all duties in a manner consistent with the HSD Professional Standards and "Commitment to My Co-Workers."50% - Provides Direct Supervision of Youth at the Youth Services CenterImplements and follows the YSC Behavioral Modification Program.Directly supervises and guides youth directly in daily activities, personal care, hygiene, and social behavior while modeling appropriate and positive interactions.Facilitates and participates in structured programming for youth.Follows and enforces the daily schedule of activities for youth.Conducts security checks, discipline, and suicide checks in accordance with YSC policies.Responds appropriately to medical situations and crisis or emergency incidents.Assists with youth intake, orientation, assessment, and placement within the facility.Enforces facility rules, policies, and security procedures.Conducts room, area, and personal searches to ensure the safety and security of the facility.Provides physical intervention or control when necessary to maintain safety, consistent with training and policy.Assists with facility maintenance and housekeeping duties as required.25% - Prepares and completes all required DocumentationObserves, evaluates, and documents youth behavior and progress.Completes clear, accurate, and timely incident reports.Documents all security checks, discipline actions, and suicide checks in accordance with YSC policies.Completes daily rosters, meal logs, and related documentation accurately.Completes overtime, benefit, and leave documentation clearly and accurately.20% - Participates in required trainings and meetingsAttends all required and job-related training as directed.Attends mandatory staff meetings.Reviews, acknowledges, and and signs off on policies and procedures as required.Maintains Wisconsin Juvenile Detention Officer Certification on an annual basis.5% - Performs other duties as assigned.Oral and Written Communications:Must have the ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills to inform, instruct, and persuade multiple audiences. Must have the ability to actively listen to others for meaning and an understanding of their needs and situations.Interpersonal Relationships:Must be consistent in dealing with youth, staff, and external partners. Must have the ability to maintain appropriate and constructive behavior and attitude in response to difficult or adverse situations. Must have the ability and willingness to accept feedback, criticism and/or discipline; the ability and willingness to accept responsibility for actions. Must have the ability to work cooperatively with supervisors and establish cohesive, effective relationships with peers. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively work youth and staff regardless of their background or beliefs.Judgment:Must have the ability to act in a decisive manner, using good judgment. Must have the ability to maintain objectivity in the decision-making process; the ability to effectively prioritize situations and information and make appropriate decisions based on information received. Must have the ability to learn and apply new information; the ability to handle a variety of rapidly flowing information at once; the ability to remember numerous details.Professionalism:Must have the ability to act in a mature, dependable fashion; ability and willingness to maintain dependable work habits such as reporting to work on time, with little prompting and intervention. Must be able to work all shifts of a 24-hour per day period and be available for emergency call-ins. Must represent the organization to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude in all telephone and personal contact. Must have the willingness and ability to respect private, confidential information; the ability and willingness to support and carry out directives.Quality of Work:Must be able to provide high quality, accurate work. Must be able to multi-task and be able to do several things at one time and remain focused under stress. Must have the ability to adjust to new or unique situations, and the ability and willingness to show initiative in completing work assignments.Working knowledge of Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) Administrative Code Chapter 346.Knowledge of the Rock County Personnel OrdinanceKnowledge of Human Services divisions that utilize the Youth Services Center (YSC), including their roles, responsibilities, and available resources.Knowledge of agencies outside the Human Services Department and their respective duties and resources.Experience working with youth ages 12 through 17.Ability to effectively facilitate and participate in team meetings.Possession of valid First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification.Ability to assess situations and make sound decisions during crisis or emergency situations.Graduation from high school, one year experience working with juvenile offenders, law enforcement or related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the noted knowledge, skills and abilities.Within one (1) year of beginning employment must satisfactorily complete the Youth Specialist Certification. This would include attending an academy full-time for 4/5 weeks.Successful incumbents will be contacted by Human Resources to advance to the background investigation process. The background investigation process is a thorough and extensive process which includes, but is not limited to: completion of finger-prints, extensive background investigation questionnaire to include personal reference check, employment references check, criminal background check, interview and physical examination (pre-employment physical).Physical Elements:Ability to walk up one flight of stairsAbility to lift and carry at least 20 pounds for at least 15 feet.Ability to squat to inspect cells under bunks, tables, etc.Ability to carry mattresses and bags of laundryAbility to push the food cart with trays of foodAbility to push the mop bucket, move chairs and tables as neededAbility to lift, push/pull objects weighing up to 165 poundsIn an emergency situation, Supervisors must be able to physically restrain youth using the Principles of Subject Control (POSC); break up physical altercations between and with youth; provide suicide intervention and first aid as necessary; and lead evacuation and rescue efforts should there be an emergency situation in the building such as a power outage, fire, tornado, or other environmental issue.Use of Equipment:* Ability to use a computer and computer keyboard for documentation, communication, and data entry.* Ability to use a Portable Radio and other communication devices as required to maintain safety and coordination within the facility.Working Conditions:Almost all indoor work in an office setting with ability to go on off-campus activitiesA valid driver's licenseCPR/AED certificationPossible exposure to blood and/or body fluids, and other biohazardous materials while performing assigned duties in the facility.