Human Services Assistant Section Manager- Family & Children

Position: HUMAN SERVICES ASSISTANT SECTION MANAGER- FAMILY & CHILDREN
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

La Crosse County Human Services is seeking an Assistant Manager who embodies the spirit of leadership excellence and an unwavering commitment to child and family safety and well-being. In this role, you will be instrumental in propelling Child Protective Services (CPS) toward new heights of efficiency, effectiveness, and compassionate service delivery.

As the Assistant Manager, your leadership will be pivotal in guiding a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of children and families across our community. You will champion best practices in child welfare and trauma-informed care while driving system improvements that strengthen outcomes and align with state and federal mandates.

Your focus will center on operational excellence-supporting supervisors and frontline staff, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring that every facet of CPS functions with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. With a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, you will partner closely with the Section Manager to inspire a resilient, mission-driven team that reflects the department's core values of trust, respect, and service.

FLSA:
Exempt. The Assistant Manager is a strategic leader responsible for the direct oversight and operational execution of county programs within the assigned Human Services Section. This position holds ownership of critical program areas, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and county mandates. The Assistant Manager leads service delivery, supervises staff, manages program performance, and collaborates across sections to advance the mission and goals of the department.

This role functions as a key authority driving innovation, accountability, and programmatic excellence.

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

Leads the day-to-day management and performance oversight of human services programs within the section. Ensures programs are consistently delivered in compliance with state regulations and in accordance with county values and performance standards.

Implements, and monitors…