ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST - HUMAN SERVICES

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 is a confidential administrative/management support position to staff and management of the La Crosse County Human Services Department. Employee works under limited supervision reporting to the Office Supervisor in performing specialized administrative, clerical, and personnel-related functions of considerable difficulty and responsibility. Assists and provides support to Department Head, Deputy Director, and Section Managers in administrative functions to assure the smooth operation of the department.
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
Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and apply.
Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking.
Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change and emotional intelligence. Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically.
Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work.
Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.
Analyzes, processes and coordinates change in department for new hires, transfers, step increases, and other changes in employee status received from the Human Resources Department.
Gathers data, creates charts and graphs for budget reports and employee satisfaction surveys. Compiles and distributes Human Services Department annual report.
Prepares correspondence, researches and prepares confidential department data related to management interests. Prepares other departmental confidential correspondence or documents.
Arranges various departmental meetings by reserving rooms, tracking agenda items, preparing agendas, sending out meeting notices, taking notes, transcribing and distributing meeting minutes, and maintaining membership rosters and contact information. Coordinates multiple calendars.
Performs specialized support functions for agency administration. Assists in the coordination of Human Services events and staff appreciation. In addition, provides support and training to all staff on new policies, software, initiatives, etc. including the creation of training materials for new processes.
Provides support to the Department's Management Team providing input for the ongoing development and improvement of the Department's outcomes and mission and other committees as assigned.
Serves as department lead on the Human Services SharePoint site, social media sites and Human Services TLC Training System. Develops, maintains and updates the Human Services Department Sharepoint computer site, Facebook and Twitter sites. Develops TLC Training Sessions for Human Services Department Staff.
Maintains Department's policy and procedures manual, and provides training to staff on Human Services Department Policies and Procedures.
Participates in project teams for information technology product development, release and training. Provides technical assistance to staff and others as necessary regarding Human Services.
Prepares Human Services Department reports, graphs, charts and appendixes. Assists the County and independent auditors with audit review and reports.
Tracks and processes various licensing, reporting, and personnel-related requirements (including annual performance reviews) for the Department.
Assists in coordination of updating the Department's website.
Answers routine questions from the community, staff and other departments and assists in resolving complaints received by the Department.
Transcribes reports, forms, correspondence, medical reports, from dictation system using a transcription unit. Inputs and retrieves information on computer.
Responds to requests for Release of Information received by the Human Services Department.
Performs receptionist duties for the Department including greeting clients, scheduling appointments, setting up virtual meetings for clients and staff.
This is a public service position and employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times with other employees, supervisors, public officials in addition to the general public and clients.
Physical demands: Large percentage of time is spent sitting at a desk, using oral communication, judgment, hearing, near vision, fingering for keyboarding and calculators, reading and writing. Handles papers and manuals, etc., lifts files, copy paper and other office supplies and materials. Sits, stands, bends and reaches intermittently throughout the day. Occasionally moves about the office building and travels to other offices or sites for meetings. Room set-up (tables/chairs) needed on occasion.
Related Job Functions
Performs clerical support functions for the Department Head as a back-up and/or in the absence of the Office Supervisor.
This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility and is only illustrative. This position is responsible to perform other duties as assigned or required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the functions, procedures, organization, laws and regulations governing the administration of the agency or department.
Knowledge of up-to-date office practices, procedures and equipment. Knowledge of fundamental policies of public employee personnel practices and procedures.
Ability to carry out special and general assignments requiring organization of material and development of procedures, with minimum supervision.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the application and interpretation of departmental policies and regulations; ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to compose clear and concise written communications, instructions, and policies/procedures.
Ability to initiate and install administrative procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the general public, County Officials and employees and to function well as a part of a team, and to deal effectively with clients and callers and resolve conflicts. Ability to maintain high level of organization.
Ability to "connect the dots" and apply information received to all aspects of multiple tracking and monitoring responsibilities.
Ability to adapt to and coordinate changes in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with and ability to work on various computerized system for data input, word processing, and spreadsheets.
Training, Experience and Other Requirements
Associate Degree in Administrative Assistant, Business Administration, Accounting or related field.
Five years of office experience; two of the five years must be at an administrative level.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Publisher, Teams, PowerPoint, Visio and Outlook Scheduler).
High level of interpersonal skills and organizational skills. Good grammatical, spelling and punctuation skills.
Must be a team player to work in a fast-paced environment.
May consider other relevant combinations of education and experience that provide equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

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 View email address on jobs.institutedata.com.

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.