SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - HOUSING SUPPORT SERVICES

Socket.dev; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

La Crosse County is seeking a Social Service Specialist to help individuals experiencing homelessness secure safe housing through intensive, person-centered housing navigation and tenancy support.

You will conduct assessments, develop housing plans, facilitate housing applications, and coordinate with landlords, property managers, and community providers to ensure housing stability.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to navigate rental markets and housing systems.
• Experience with person-centered planning and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of 1915(i) Medicaid services and related documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and housing-focused assessments to identify barriers to housing.
• Develop person-centered housing plans with measurable goals.
• Assist with housing applications, documentation, and eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics for housing viewings.
• Deliver Housing Transition Services under 1915(i) Medicaid.
• Provide ongoing Housing Sustaining Services to support long-term tenancy.
• Coordinate across housing, healthcare, and social service providers.

Skills

Housing navigation

Case management

Landlord engagement

Trauma-informed care

Documentation & compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field (preferred)

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

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

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 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 environmentMake 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

Housing Navigation & Placement

Conduct comprehensive intakes and housing-focused assessments to identify barriers to obtaining housing.

Develop and implement person-centered housing plans with clear, measurable housing goals.

Actively support participants in locating, applying for, and securing housing, including:

• Conducting housing searches aligned with participant needs, preferences, and affordability
• Assisting with housing applications, documentation, and eligibility requirements
• Coordinating transportation and logistics for housing viewings

Engage and build relationships with landlords and property managers to identify housing opportunities and advocate for participants.

Problem-solve barriers such as poor credit, eviction history, legal issues, or lack of documentation to improve housing access.

Deliver Housing Transition Services as defined under 1915(i), including:

• Supporting participants in preparing for tenancy
• Assisting with lease understanding and tenant rights/responsibilities
• Coordinating move-in logistics and essential resources

Housing Stabilization & Retention

Provide ongoing Housing Sustaining Services to support long-term tenancy, including:

• Teaching and reinforcing tenancy skills (communication with landlords, paying rent, maintaining unit)
• Early identification and intervention in potential lease violations or conflicts
• Mediating disputes between tenants and landlords when appropriate
• Proactively prevent eviction and returns to homelessness through problem-solving, resource coordination, and crisis response.

Supportive Case Management

Provide individualized support related to recovery, wellness, and independent living, including:

• Budgeting and financial management
• Transportation planning
• Connection to medical, mental health, and substance use services
• Rebuilding natural supports and community connections
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated and holistic care.

Participant Engagement & Empowerment

Build trusting, respectful relationships that promote engagement and housing success.

Promote self-determination and participant choice in all aspects of housing and service planning.

Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices in all interactions.

Inspire hope and reinforce progress toward stability and independence.

System Coordination & Community Collaboration

Actively participate in the homelessness response system, including Pathways Conferencing and coordinated entry processes.

Coordinate with internal departments and external providers to streamline access to housing and services.

Contribute to system improvement efforts aimed at achieving functional zero homelessness.

Documentation & Compliance

Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation aligned with 1915(i) Medicaid service definitions, and La Crosse County standards including:

• Service notes that clearly reflect billable activities and housing-related outcomes
• Person-centered service plans and updates
• Progress toward housing goals and stability indicators
• Maintain compliance with all Medicaid, county, and program requirements.
• Protect confidentiality and adhere to La Crosse County Standards of Conduct (Administrative Code 3.08).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong ability to navigate rental markets, housing systems, and subsidy programs.

Skill in landlord engagement, negotiation, and housing advocacy.

Ability to identify and resolve tenancy issues, including conflict mediation and eviction prevention.

Knowledge of 1915(i) Medicaid services, or ability to quickly learn service definitions and documentation standards.

Experience with person-centered planning and trauma-informed care.

Strong problem-solving skills, especially related to housing barriers.

Ability to coordinate across complex systems (housing, healthcare, social services).

Familiarity with local housing, homelessness, and recovery-oriented resources.

Knowledge of functional zero homelessness and the Pathways Home plan.

Strong organizational, documentation, and computer skills.

Training, Experience, and Other Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.

Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field, or Peer Support Specialist certification, preferred.

Preferred experience in housing navigation, homelessness outreach, or supportive housing services.

At least one year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health conditions, and/or substance use challenges preferred.

Strong preference for candidates with lived experience relevant to the population served.

Demonstrated ability to manage detailed documentation and follow-through.

Must be patient, adaptable, and able to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in dynamic environments.

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with ability to travel throughout city and rural areas and occasionally transport clients.

Work schedule is typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with flexibility for evenings or weekends as needed.

Maintain ongoing training to stay current with policies, regulations, and best practices in housing and Medicaid services.

Provide courteous, respectful service to the public and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and community partners.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 [e-mail].