HUMAN SERVICES ASSISTANT SECTION MANAGER- FAMILY & CHILDREN
La Crosse County
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
La Crosse County is seeking an Assistant Manager within the Human Services section to lead Child Protective Services operations and guide a dynamic team in delivering safe and effective services to families in our community.
You will supervise supervisors and frontline staff, drive process improvements, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with the Section Manager to advance safety, stability, and well-being for children and families.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
- At least five years of leadership or supervisory experience in public services.
- Experience managing budgets and performance metrics.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulatory requirements for child welfare.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day management of CPS operations and staff.
- Develop strategies to improve safety, stability, and outcomes for children and families.
- Ensure compliance with regulations and county performance standards.
- Collaborate with Section Manager and other departments to drive improvements.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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.
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.
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 section‑specific policies and procedures. Prepares recommendations and supporting data for Section Manager review. Leads process improvements and quality assurance initiatives across operational areas.
Directly supervises supervisory and professional staff. Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, coaching and discipline. Develop and maintain performance plans and tracking systems to drive individual and team accountability.
Assists with the preparation and provides recommendations to the Section Manager on assigned program budgets. Analyzes expenditures, allocates resources, and proposes adjustments to ensure cost‑effective operations. Monitors vendor contracts and program outcomes.
Collaborates with other Human Services sections to ensure integrated and efficient service delivery across the department. Provides leadership in the development of interdepartmental initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Collects, analyzes, and utilizes data to measure program impact, identify trends, and support decision‑making. Develops reports and presents findings with actionable recommendations to management and oversight bodies.
Contributes to strategic planning efforts within Human Services. Leads the implementation of new initiatives and pilots that advance equity, efficiency, and client‑centered care. Employs vision and strategy to drive positive results by leading with clear goals, objectives, and desired outcomes.
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected in this role. It is not a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities. The Assistant Manager is expected to take initiative and assume additional responsibilities as needed to ensure the effective operation and improvement of the section.
Physical Requirements: Position includes a mix of office‑based work and field support. Regularly travels to observe programs, attend meetings, and support staff. May include occasional client interaction in challenging environments. Requires use of standard office equipment and occasional physical exertion (e.g., bending, walking, carrying children).
Ability to make reasonable business decisions and recommendations using skills in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
Ability to coordinate service delivery systems to achieve program objectives effectively using skills in staff development, delegation, coaching, and teamwork.
Ability to manage, supervise and direct the work of others.
Familiarity with budget development, fiscal monitoring, and contract management.
Proficiency in understanding and explaining complex regulations, guidelines, and evidence‑based practices related to service provision. Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws governing services for target populations.
Ability to adapt to change and guide others through transitions.
Ability to use technology for program efficiencies, analyzing statistical data, and effectively utilizing data to improve service delivery. Skills in preparing accurate and engaging reports using Microsoft Office products.
Demonstrated abilities in effective communication, collaboration, relationship‑building, and teamwork through facilitating and participating in meetings that engage others and build sustainable partnerships across diverse backgrounds.
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field is required.
At least five years of leadership experience, including staff supervision and program management within human services or a related area is required.
May consider other relevant combinations of education and experience that provide equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Experience managing operational budgets and implementing performance‑based systems.
Strong understanding of public sector operations, evidence‑based practices, and regulatory compliance in human services.
Background check in accordance with Wisconsin Caregiver Law.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for countywide travel, where applicable.
La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.
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