FAMILY & CHILDREN – SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST

About La Crosse County:
At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Why Join La Crosse County?

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview

FLSA: Non-Exempt This position works under close to moderate supervision as a liaison between the client/customer and the designated service function of the Human Services Department, while performing social services work. Employees are selected and supervised by a Human Services Department Section Manager or Supervisor, or designee.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions

Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints

Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes

Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results

Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth

Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential

Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals

Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives

Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives

Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment

Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization

Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking

Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community

Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes

Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations

Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks

Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.

Maintains confidentiality of client-related information, maintains respectful treatment of clients, and adheres to the La Crosse County Standards of Conduct in the Administrative Code (3.08).

Maintains skill and competence levels as policies and regulations change by attending department/staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate.

This role provides a wide variety of services including, but not limited to:

Provides supervised visits and parent education to monitor family progress, both in the community and/or within the family’s natural setting.

Works with professional staff to analyze interactions with families and contribute to case decisions by providing input and documentation.

Assists children, youth and families with daily living skills.

Provides services within the parameters of individual case plans to enhance the lives of the families served,i.e. transportation, visitation, mentoring, etc.

Gathers, analyzes, and organizes data and generates reports as assigned.

Physical Demands: Good percentage of time is spent talking and listening, and using a computer. An intermittent amount of time is spent standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying (up to 35 lbs). Frequent travel to clients’ homes and/or provider agencies using personal travel. Frequently carries a child. May require outdoor activities under various conditions. Uses automobile, telephone, copy machines, computer/keyboard, dictating equipment. There is the threat of physical attack or injury from clients in unusual situations.

Related Job Functions

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of agency services and community resources.

Knowledge of needs and behavioral patterns of clients being served, with an emphasis on child development and parenting skills.

Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and written and verbal communication skills. Ability to be flexible and stay organized.

Ability to use computer, e-mail, internet and certain computer software programs.

Ability to maintain courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationships with clients, other employees, management and the community stakeholders.

Ability to participate in meaningful training or educational opportunities provided by the agency, State or other resources.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a need to multitask and adapt to changes. Ability to effectively work with diverse populations.

Ability to learn and apply state program standards.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Requires a combination of experience and/or education in the Human Services field.

Have and maintain valid driver’s license, good driving record, access to personal transportation and meet the minimum insurance requirements of the County, or other reliable means for county-wide travel.

Requires regular evening work and occasional or possible weekend shifts. Core hours for this position are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday hours being 11:00am-7:30pm with Wednesday and Friday hours being 8:00am – 4:30pm. The schedule will regularly fluctuate to meet the clients needs.

Requires successful completion of a criminal record check.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.

Application Process:
All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.

https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/laxcounty/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/251

Deadline Note: