What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Counselor position at State of Wisconsin?
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 youth of Wisconsin.
We are currently hiring Youth Counselors for our Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake School. Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake School is located in Lincoln County, Irma in northern Wisconsin and close to the following cities: Merrill, Tomahawk, Wausau and Rhinelander.
For more information watch our recruitment video . Upon hire, candidates will complete a six-week training program to prepare them for work as a Youth Counselor. Training will include, but is not limited to, report writing, communication skills, effective methods proven to work with youth in our care, employee standards of conduct, and on-the-job training at LHS/CLS.
Check out the videos of this position on the career page:
Position Summary
This position performs security and safety duties in a juvenile correctional institution. Day-to-day operation may be performed under the direction of a Lead Worker. Supervise juvenile 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; ensure 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. This position may require physical intervention with assaultive and/or aggressive youth. May be responsible for the operation of the institution Control Center. Persons in this position may periodically be required to perform duties of the Youth Counselor Advanced position, as directed.
Salary Information
This position is in pay schedule/range 05-31 with starting base pay of $34.67/hour and an additional $3.00/hour add-on. Employees are also eligible for an additional, temporary, $5.00/hour add on.
These positions also offer excellent benefits , including protective retirement status. Future increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan, and are currently scheduled at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. Differential pay is available for certain night and weekend shifts, and employees may be eligible for FLSA premium overtime.
A twelve-month probationary period is required. Pay upon appointment for current or former State employees may vary and will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $2,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1000 on the first paycheck and $1000 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually 1 year).
To receive the bonus , a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in that position for a year . I f the candidate l eave s their position prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.
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, nine paid holidays, and 130 hours yearly of accrued sick time that rolls over each year. Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan Well Wisconsin Wellness Program DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being 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 may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.
The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
Note : May need to work weekend only schedule.
Qualifications
At least 18 years of age upon appointment
No felony convictions without a pardon
No domestic violence convictions
Pass a drug test
Requires ability to work overtime
High school diploma or equivalent
A qualified applicant will ensure the order, safety and security of juvenile offenders, staff and the institution. Supervise the offenders in life skills and daily activities. Provide counseling and treatment services of offenders.
How To Apply
To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Questions can be directed to Ramona Koch, Human Resources Specialist at
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. Once you are determined as eligible, please send a follow-up email with the HR Specialist listed below to indicate interest in this job announcement. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Deadline to Apply
Online application will remain open until the needs of the institutions are met or until 11:59pm, October 30, 2025.
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Salary : $3 - $35