Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's 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 contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact [email protected]. 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: February 2^nd, 2026, or upon receipt of the first 100 applicant submissions
 

Youth Development Officer

Department of Health & Human Services
Pay Range: $30.91 - $34.72

Job Summary: The Youth Development Officer (YDO) is responsible for providing a safe and secure detention environment, while meeting the needs of the youth in the Youth Detention Center and The Milwaukee County Center for Youth. The YDO performs a variety of duties to include screening youth entering the facility, provide them with items meeting basic needs, clean the facility, assist in maintaining order, release youth from custody, assist in moving, monitor the facility for security threats, communicate with internal and external stakeholders, and document activities. This role is expected to act as a mentor, counsel, and a support network for providers who provide youth with tools for behavioral change. Relationship building ia a must to ensure safety and security.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and secure environment. Monitor youth to ensure they adhere to rules and policies. Demonstrate knowledge of Wisconsin Admin. Codes 346 and 347. Perform routine cleaning. Provide youth with clothing and linens. Oversee cleaning of cells and common areas. Conduct searches for contraband and participate in alarm test.    
• Act as a mentor to provide youth with guidance and counseling. Provide youth with tools to assist in behavioral change. Build relationships with youth and use interventions to correct negative/challenging behavior. Be a supportive role model and provide incentives.
• Perform custodial searches and take photos. Enter information into the records management system, supply wristbands, inventory property, exchange clothing, provide GPS monitoring units, return property, review paperwork for clarity upon release. Perform duties assigned to each position including CC -monitoring cameras, door controls, reviewing court orders, and filing.
• Enter information into youths' files, including information on court appearances, dates of intake and release. Update JPM system as needed.
• Monitor and guide youth and visitors from one area to another of the facility. Provide access and monitor video of individuals movements into, outside of, and within the facility.   
• Coordinate family, attorneys, and service providers visitation. Enter applicable information into computer databases, answer phone calls and respond to other inquires, assist youth with phone calls.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experiences, Licenses/Certifications and Education 

1. Graduation from high school, high school equivalency diploma or GED required.
2. Certification by the Law Enforcement Standards Board must be acquired during the probationary period and maintained during incumbency.
3. Minimum age of 21.
4. Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license is required at time of application and maintained during incumbency. Driving record will be reviewed at time of appointment.
5. Applicants shall be of good moral character determined from results of fingerprinting and background investigation.
6. Must have basic computer and typing skills.
7. Felons, unless pardoned, will be rejected.

Preferred Areas: College level course work in law enforcement, criminal justice, psychology, child psychology, sociology, education, or social work preferred. Social work experience is preferred. Experience working at Children’s Court is preferred. Experience teaching children is preferred. Experience working with children aged 19 and below is preferred.

Physical Abilities and Demands: Standing, Walking, Running, Sitting, Bending/Kneeling, Typing, Hearing, and Reaching. Lifting/carrying 20-40lbs. Pushing/Pulling 20-40lbs. Physical Danger.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in reading and comprehending written material; oral and written communication skills; ability to gain the respect and control the behavior of offenders; ability to take prompt and decisive action in emergency situations; ability to restrain combative inmates; ability to maintain a positive attitude and emotional control; ability to work with computers; ability to follow work procedures and rules; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others. Ability to write reports.

Note: This Original Examination is open to current residents of the State of Wisconsin. In accordance with Rule III section 11 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of a review of candidate materials, education, and related experience.

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.