Social Services Specialist

SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - SYSTEM OF CARE Job Description Posted Friday, July 24, 2026 at 6:00 AM Welcome to La Crosse County — Where Your Work Truly Matters Every day, our unique teams contribute to our vision of a community that is vibrant, safe, and resilient. Whether you're supporting families, safeguarding natural resources, maintaining infrastructure, or delivering essential services, your work here creates real impact for the people who live, work, and visit our county. What You’ll Gain by Joining Us A Future You Can Count On: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation. Reliable, Affordable Coverage: Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs. Time Off That Works For You: You’ll have two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, giving you the freedom to plan real downtime when you need it—and the peace of mind to take care of yourself when you’re under the weather. Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee A Place Where Everyone Belongs We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone. Overview FLSA: Non-Exempt. Employee in this position provides paraprofessional support to the Youth System of Care in the Justice Support Services Section of the Human Services Department. Employee interacts with a number of agencies and persons. Employee is selected and supervised by the Human Services Supervisor and works under moderate supervision. 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 Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization 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. Accepts and processes referrals for System of Care services as directed by System of Care Administrator. Conducts thorough assessments through interviews, home visits and collateral investigations and develops prevention/early intervention strategies with guidance from the System of Care Administrator. Arranges or provides for appropriate community-based services for clients based on needs as directed by the System of Care Administrator. Maintains case records containing pertinent information and data. Prepares correspondence, reports and other records as required. Attends System of Care staff meetings and other meetings as directed by the System of Care Administrator. Assists in transportation arrangements, and connection to such things as therapy appointments, community service work, job search or interviews, positive community activities, etc. Assists youth in transportation to school, engagement with school personnel, advocacy for the student to ensure needs are being met, rewarding positive school attendance, etc. Maintains confidentiality of client-related information, maintain respectful treatment of clients, and adhere 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. In this public service position employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establish and maintain a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, community and stakeholder partners and public officials. Physical demands: Large percentage of time is spent talking and hearing. Approximately half the time is spent sitting and using near and far vision and keyboarding. A limited amount of time is spent standing, walking, climbing (using feet and legs), reaching, low to medium lifting and carrying. Occasionally to frequently transports youth and/or families. Occasionally it is necessary to stoop, kneel, and bend/twist. There is the threat of physical attack or injury from clients in unusual situations. Related Job Functions Consistently uses discretion and problem-solving skills in determining the proper course of action during the day. Demonstrates understanding and enthusiasm for children and youth. Understands and carries out oral and written instructions. Maintains cooperative working relationships with stakeholders. Learns, utilizes, and becomes trained/certified in special procedures unique to the assignment, such as cognitive behavioral and crisis intervention techniques. This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform all other duties as assigned or required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Basic knowledge and understanding of human growth and behavior, including adolescent development. Basic knowledge of current and social economic problems and the way in which these problems affect families and individuals. Basic knowledge of agency and community resources, and how these resources may be used by people in need. Ability to work with diverse populations. Ability to maintain excellent, professional communication with students, families, and colleagues. Ability and willingness to work hours outside a standard work week Ability to plan and organize work effectively. Ability to use computer, County email, internet and certain computer software programs. Ability to interview people, extract information and make good, independent judgements. Ability to relate to people in an unprejudiced and understanding manner with concerns for their circumstances and feelings. Ability to participate in, and appropriately use, supervision. Ability to participate in meaningful training or educational opportunities provided by the agency and other resources Ability to operate a variety of office related equipment (printers, copiers, computers, telephone). Ability to work with the System of Care Administrator another System of Care staff to ensure program standards are maintained. Training, Experience and Other Requirements Preference for Associate Degree in education, human services, psychology, sociology or other related field. A minimum of one year experience working with school age children, with preference for experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of social, emotional, or behavioral barriers to learning. May consider other relevant combination of experience and training. May require availability to work evenings and/or weekends to meet client needs. Must have valid driver's license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel. Equal Opportunity Employer We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Need an Accommodation? If you require a disability-related accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, reach out to Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io — we're here to help. #J-18808-Ljbffr