Youth Support Specialist LTE

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POSITION SUMMARY:

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of at-risk youth? Marathon County Social Services is hiring two Youth Support Specialists to join our innovative Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) team. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work directly with youth who are navigating behavioral, emotional, or legal challenges. The YOC provides structured programming, life skills development, and accountability in a supportive, community-based environment.

Youth Support Specialists serve as mentors, facilitators, and positive role models—delivering both psychoeducational and recreational programming aimed at helping youth build resilience, reduce risk factors, and enhance prosocial behavior. These positions require daily in-person supervision of youth at the YOC and strong collaboration with social workers, families, schools, and other community partners.

This position values professional or lived experience working with youth and families, especially in areas related to behavioral health, delinquency, or trauma. All educational levels will be considered with a minimum of two years of experience working with at-risk youth.

Please note: These are Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions through December 31, 2025, with conversion to full-time positions effective January 1, 2026. Benefits including health insurance are available with this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working with youth and their families, particularly in areas related to delinquency, behavioral challenges, or mental health—is strongly preferred. Applicants with professional or lived experience are encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration over formal education alone.

• While an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited two- or four-year college or university in Social Work, Social Sciences, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field is preferred, all education levels will be considered. At minimum, applicants must have two years of experience working with at-risk youth.

• Possess a valid driver’s license, a driving record that meets County standards, and reliable transportation. A working vehicle must be available for use when needed to transport youth to activities, appointments, or other required engagements.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The following duties are typical for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provide direct sight and sound supervision of youth attending the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC).

• Redirect youth behavior and thinking errors using active listening, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving strategies.

• Provide transportation to and from the YOC or other appointments, ensuring safety and punctuality.

• Facilitate individual and group sessions, assist with schoolwork or Social Worker-directed assignments.

• Develop and maintain a monthly calendar of structured activities and meals; follow and implement daily schedules.

• Accurately document youth attendance, behavior, activities, and incidents in coordination with the youth’s Social Worker.

• Prepare and submit incident reports and daily summaries for supervisor and case management reviews.

• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding transportation logistics and behavioral updates.

• Collaborate with volunteers and community partners to enhance youth programming.

• Provide court testimony when required.

• Maintain regular attendance, support staffing needs by working additional hours as necessary.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Social Services functions and available resources, particularly those related to youth and family services.

• Understanding of youth development principles, including adolescent behavior, risk factors, and strengths-based approaches to engagement.

• Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing techniques and de-escalation strategies to support effective and safe interactions with youth.

• Ability to follow and comprehend written and verbal instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Capacity to work independently, apply established guidelines, and exercise sound judgment within program procedures.

• Skill in conducting basic interviews, including the ability to listen actively, observe behavior, gather information, and document interactions clearly and accurately.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to speak empathetically with youth and their families, establish trust, and respond to needs with professionalism.

• The ability to collaborate effectively with internal team members, external agency partners, and community organizations.

• Organizational skills to maintain records, complete documentation in a timely manner, and manage day-to-day program responsibilities.

• Commitment to maintain confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.

• Proficiency in basic computer operations, including word processing, data entry, and use of electronic communication tools.

COMPENSATION:

Starting hourly rate: $24.65 + Marathon County benefits: https://www.marathoncounty.gov/about-us/careers/employee-benefits

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information.  If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law