Jss - Social Service Specialist

Position: JSS - SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST

Posted Friday, December 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM

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.

• 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 role provides office/clerical support, justice-system and resource navigation, and extraordinary customer service to participants in the Justice Support Services Section of the Human Services Department as well as various other community members and stakeholders. Duties involve assisting individuals transitioning from incarceration or other justice-system involvement back into the community through resource navigation and support, monitoring daily activities of participants who are court ordered to electronic monitoring and recording and reporting this information, facilitating drug and alcohol testing, and assisting.

This role interacts with several agencies and persons, including jail inmates, community resources, and justice-system partners. There is a strong preference for candidates who bring lived experience to the role.

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

Assists program clients with all aspects of case conditions that they are required to meet.

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 procedures change by attending department/staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate.

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

Frequent contact with participants and many external stakeholders (i.e. court, law enforcement, community agencies, family members, and the general public).

Arranges for or assists participants with a range of supportive services to facilitate reaching their goals, i.e. financial, housing, access to social and physical supports, physical navigation of courthouse and/or transportation to community resources.

Engages and facilitates relationships with community agencies. Hooks up GPS and Remote Breath devices for participants. Advises the participants of the program rules and the operation of the device. This function requires physical contact with participant.

Trouble‑shoots equipment issues, submits schedules, accesses GPS database,…