Under general direction of the Supervisor; the Youth Care Specialist performs work involving the care and custody of juveniles, assuring a safe, secure environment, providing positive influence, and preparing and maintaining related logs and reports. They also focus on the individualized needs of youth and caregivers currently served within the Youth & Family Services Division.

• Supervises and directs educational, recreational, intellectual, competency development, and pro-social activities for youth.
• Provides support and education to parents/caregivers.
• Monitors and interacts with youth in an individual or group setting and appropriately engages with residents who may be experiencing mental/emotional distress or are physically ill.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of juvenile count, personal property, money, incidents, activities, etc.
• Cooperates and maintains clear communication with law enforcement, social service agencies, social workers, juvenile intake, schools and resident's significant others.
• Maintains discipline and adheres to the rules and regulations pertaining to the policies and procedures of the Division.
• Provides transportation for youth residents to school, work, appointments, and recreational activities.
• Remains educated on and maintains compliance with the rules and regulations governing the Shelter Care facility including DCF59 Administrative Code requirements and Department Policies.
• Completes custody procedures when a youth is placed into the facility; documents appropriate information, and maintains required documentation in resident files.
• Receives incoming perishable and non-perishable items; dates and stores items in appropriate areas and takes inventory of food and other supplies and reports to the facility Supervisor.

• A minimum of one year previous work and/or educational experience preferred that has provided the skills and knowledge necessary to provide proper care to youth who are experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, or physical difficulties or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
•  Valid driver's license required.

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of receiving, releasing, and maintaining custody of youth residents.
• Knowledge of adolescent behavior, brain development, inter-personal relations, and social/peer interaction.
• Understand the operation and purpose of the Shelter Care facility and to remain educated on other community service providers.
• Ability to maintain composure and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments including normal working conditions and high stress situations.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for youth residents and provide positive direction and supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, parents, social workers, public defenders, juvenile intake workers, school personnel, mental health professional, law enforcement, maintenance workers, and other providers both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate and complete records, and prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Must operate a variety of office equipment including personal computer, computer terminal, calculator, telephone, fax, Electronic Monitoring and security equipment.
• Ability to operate a variety of household appliances including dishwasher, microwave, clothes washer and dryer, vacuum cleaner, etc.
• Recognize and respond to residents' health needs.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 30 pounds.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.