MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Specialist (Co-Response) - ISRS

Join Us in La Crosse County

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.

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.

FLSA:
Non-Exempt The primary purpose of this role is to enhance crisis response coordination in the development of crisis plans, community response, and education to external agencies, by helping to facilitate more connection to community supports (i.e. Crisis linkage) to help prevent additional services being mandated such as youth justice, child protection and other county departments. This position works closely with law enforcement as part of a co-responder program where the mental health specialist rides with law enforcement to crisis situations.

In addition to the coordination, this this position will also respond to adults/adolescents/children who are experiencing mental health crises, within La Crosse County. Mental health crises may include individuals who pose a threat of harm to themselves or others, are experiencing an increase in symptoms, or are otherwise in need of mental health support. Response may include phone or on-site evaluation and support.

This is a rewarding, fast-paced and challenging role, ideal for a person with a strong sense of empathy, decision making skills and ability to collaborate with community partners. Wisconsin Certified Crisis Program paid training is provided at onset of employment. Employees are part of the Integrated Support & Recovery Services (ISRS) Section of the La Crosse County Department of Human Services.

Employee is responsible to the ISRS Crisis Supervisor, the Crisis Program Clinical Director and the ISRS Manager.

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
• In…