Social Service Specialist - Housing Support Services

La Crosse County Social Service Specialist

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 This position exists to help individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability secure and sustain safe, stable housing through intensive, person-centered housing navigation and tenancy support services. The Social Service Specialist works directly with participants to reduce barriers to housing, identify and secure appropriate units, and provide ongoing support to maintain housing stability.

This role delivers services consistent with the 1915(i) Medicaid Housing Support Services benefit, including housing transition and housing sustaining services. Responsibilities include completing assessments, developing person-centered housing plans, delivering billable services aligned with Medicaid definitions, and maintaining compliant, timely documentation.

The position provides hands-on housing navigation, case management, and coordination for individuals who may also experience mental health concerns, substance use challenges, or barriers related to daily living skills. Success in this role is measured by tangible housing outcomes, including placement into housing, reduced returns to homelessness, and sustained tenancy.

This role is highly collaborative, requiring coordination across La Crosse County Human Services, landlords, property managers, community providers, and homelessness response 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…