Human Service Worker

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Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please email fmla@milwaukeecountywi.gov. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: September 25th, 2026, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions

Human Services Worker

Youth Justice - Probation Services

Hourly Range: $25.37 - $38.03

JOB SUMMARY: The primary function of the Human Service Worker (HSW) is to provide the State of Wisconsin-mandated services to accomplish the mission of the Children, Youth, and Family Services department. The role is responsible for meeting the needs of youth and families while maintaining community safety. HSWs provide both direct and indirect services by performing court intake activities; completing court documentation for upcoming court hearings; and all ongoing supervision of adjudicated delinquent or Juvenile in Need of Protective Services (JIPS) clients (ages 10 to 17).

JOB DUTIES:

• Intake of youth referred for adjudication, Department of Corrections (DOC), and JIPS. Follow all applicable policies/procedures (i.e., intake interview with the family, gather assessment information through the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI), submit referrals and recommendations within timelines).
• Attend all court hearings related to the client and provide written and oral reports to Courts regarding the youths status. Give recommendations for placement/services, DOC extensions, waiver studies, testify at contested hearings if needed, and arrange for court-ordered services/programs.
• Meet (in the office, virtually, and in the community) with the client and family/placement to determine the youths current behavior and the possible need for intervention (e.g., arranging other services, doing UAs, GPS, 72-hour holds, suggesting behavior strategies, sanctions, other court activity, etc.).
• Maintain contact with other professionals involved with a client, via phone, virtually, e-mail, or in meetings. Check school attendance, therapy/program participation, and community service. Respond to inquiries from police or other agencies regarding youths behavior.
• Routinely and professionally document all case activity, including case notes; follow guidelines for case plans and reassessments (YASI). Maintain case records and files in an organized and accessible manner.
• Meet with the unit supervisor to discuss cases for case planning and/or assistance with case concerns. Follow agency protocol for staffing cases for court recommendations or referring cases back to the court regarding program/service provision for clients.
• Based on the youths behavior or needs, prepare, and submit documents such as capias requests, sanction motions, revisions for programs or out-of-home placements, motions to lift stays, extensions, compliance reports, etc.
• Provision of coverage (both partner coverage and daily section coverage monthly), attend unit and section meetings, Synthesis service authorizations, authorization of Dayforce, submission of mileage forms, workgroups, and mandatory training.
• Travel outside of Milwaukee County to visit youth in a secure placement (i.e., Lincoln Hills School (LHS), Copper Lake School (CLS), Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center (MJTC)).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a current resident of the State of Wisconsin.

• Current Wisconsin Drivers License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; both maintained throughout employment.

• Candidates with one of the following qualifications will be considered:

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent with ten (10) years of experience in Youth Justice, Case Management, or related field.

• Associate degree in human services, Criminal Justice, related field, OR proof of graduation at the time of scheduled interview with two (2) years of related work experience.

• Bachelor's degree in human services, Criminal Justice, related field, OR proof of graduation at the time of scheduled interview.

• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.

• Ability to lift/carry 15lbs and pull/push up to 20lbs when needed.

• Ability to travel 15% of work time.

Note: Appointee must pass State Intake Training within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Delinquency Division policies and procedures; knowledge of youth justice practices; knowledge of Probation and Aftercare regulations and statutory regulations and requirements; case management skills; supervisory/management skills; oral and communication skills; problem-solving skills; decision-making skills; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during this application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.