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Working With At Risk Youth Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

High School diploma and at least one year demonstrated experience working or volunteering with at-risk youth. Demonstrated/related work experience must be detailed in the job application. Examples of ...

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Working With At Risk Youth information

See Madison, WI salary details

$14

$30

$74

How much do working with at risk youth jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with at risk youth in Madison, WI is $30.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $38.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Working With At Risk Youth vs Working With Juvenile Offenders?

AspectWorking With At Risk YouthWorking With Juvenile Offenders
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in social work or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires specialized training or certifications in juvenile justice
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, youth programsJuvenile detention centers, correctional facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, schools, community organizationsCorrectional institutions, juvenile justice agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in youth support and preventionFocus on juvenile justice and rehabilitation

Working With At Risk Youth involves supporting young individuals in community settings to prevent negative outcomes, while Working With Juvenile Offenders focuses on rehabilitating youth within correctional facilities. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work environment and focus, catering to different stages of youth intervention.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professionals working with at-risk youth, and how are these challenges typically addressed within the team?

Professionals working with at-risk youth often encounter challenges such as building trust, managing behavioral issues, and addressing the diverse emotional needs of young people. These challenges are typically addressed through consistent communication, trauma-informed care practices, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that may include counselors, social workers, and educators. Regular team meetings and training sessions help staff share strategies, discuss difficult cases, and provide mutual support, ensuring a coordinated and compassionate approach to each individual's needs.

What does it mean to work with at-risk youth?

Working with at-risk youth involves supporting young people who face significant challenges such as poverty, abuse, neglect, behavioral issues, or unstable home environments. Professionals in this field strive to provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to help these individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. The work often includes counseling, educational support, crisis intervention, and developing positive relationships to foster resilience and growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a role working with at-risk youth, and why are they important?

To thrive in a role working with at-risk youth, you need a background in social work, psychology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, trauma-informed care practices, and behavior intervention systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities enable professionals to effectively support, guide, and empower vulnerable youth toward positive outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Madison, WI? For Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Working With At Risk Youth jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Working With At Risk Youth job openings:
Infographic showing various Working With At Risk Youth job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,581 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
2nd Shift - Youth Specialist

2nd Shift - Youth Specialist

Rock County

Janesville, WI • On-site

$26 - $29.23/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary and Job Duties This is a 2nd shift position working a rotating schedule of five days on, two days off, then five days on, three days off. The hours are 2:30PM -11:00PM. Under the general direction of the YSC Supervisor the Youth Specialists are assigned to the Youth Services Center (YSC) formerly called the Juvenile Detention Center.

The YSC operates on a 24-hour, 7-days per week basis. Youth Specialists work in a secure facility with male and female offenders under 18 years of age. Youth Specialists interact directly with juveniles with the focus on managing behavior by the least restrictive means, utilizing coaching and conflict resolution skills to promote pro-social behavior.

The juvenile population includes those who may be violent, have mental health issues or may exhibit challenging behaviors. Youth Specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, secure environment for juveniles and staff and ensuring that their care and programming needs are met. 50% - Provides Direct Supervision of Youth at the YSC Facilitates and follows the YSC Behavioral Modification Program Facilitates and participates in programming to the youth Follows the daily schedule of activities for youth Performs security, discipline and suicide checks according to YSC policies Supervises youth directly, while providing healthy interaction through role modeling Supervises youth while on off-campus activities Respond and show the appropriate response in medical or crisis emergencies Works with specialty (A.C.T.I.O.N.S

or Shelter Care) or special needs youth 25% - Prepares and completes all necessary Documentation Document and complete clear and specific daily progress notes and point sheets Complete clear and specific incident reports Document all security, discipline and suicide checks per YSC policies Complete clear and accurate daily rosters and meal logs Complete clear and specific overtime, benefit and leave slips 20% - Participates in all required Training Attend work related and mandatory training per year as directed Attend mandatory staff meetings Review and sign off on policies and procedures as directed Maintain Wisconsin Juvenile Detention Officer Certification yearly 5% - Performs other duties as assigned Success Factors (KSA's) Knowledge of DOC 346 and DCF 59 Policies Knowledge of the Rock County Personnel Ordinance Knowledge of other Human Services Divisions who utilize YSC and their duties/resources Knowledge of Agencies outside the Human Services Department and their duties/resources Experience working with youth ages 10-17 Ability to facilitate team meetings and shift change briefings First Aid/CPR Certification Ability to perform and make decisions in crisis situations Job Requirements, Education, Training & Experience Minimum qualifications: High School diploma and at least one year demonstrated experience working or volunteering with at-risk youth. Demonstrated/related work experience must be detailed in the job application. Examples of work with at-risk youth may include, but is not limited to: Probation or Community Corrections Mentoring programs Coaching or teaching Recreation or after school programs Any programs where the mission is for progressive transformation and focus is on youth with behavior problems.

Must possess a valid State Driver's license by time of employment. Most competitive qualifications: An Associate's degree and two years demonstrated experience working or volunteering with at-risk youth, or Bachelors' degree in; Criminal Justice, Law and Justice or related area of study, or Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related social science area of study and one (1) year of full time experience working with at-risk youth or juveniles in a correctional or security oriented environment. Must be certified as a Juvenile Detention Officer with the State of Wisconsin within one year of hire.

**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). Essential Job Functions (physical elements, equipment and working conditions) Physical Elements: Ability to walk up one flight of stairs Ability 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 laundry Ability to push the food cart with trays of food Ability to push the mop bucket, move chairs and tables as needed Ability to lift, push/pull objects weighing up to 165 pounds **In an emergency situation, Youth Specialists 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 Ability to use Portable Radio Working Conditions: Almost all indoor work in a secure youth center, with the ability to go on off-campus activities A valid driver's license CPR/AED certification **Possible exposure to blood and/or body fluids.