HUMAN SERVICES ASSISTANT SECTION MANAGER- FAMILY & CHILDREN

About the Role

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. 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. 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.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with Integrity and Build Trust – demonstrate mutual respect, humility, honesty, and speak up appropriately.
• Drive for Results – set clear goals, seek process improvements, hold self and others accountable.
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams – foster collaboration, provide mentorship, recognize diverse strengths.
• Lead with Vision and Strategy – communicate a compelling vision, develop and execute comprehensive strategies.
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking – navigate complex situations, adapt quickly, make analytical decisions.
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships – communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, influence through coaching.
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service – understand community needs, incorporate perspectives, drive positive impacts.
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence – show self‑awareness, manage emotions, respond constructively to feedback.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the day‑to‑day management and performance oversight of human services programs within the section, ensuring compliance with state regulations and county values.
• Implement and monitor section‑specific policies and procedures.
• Prepare recommendations and supporting data for Section Manager review.
• Lead process improvements and quality‑assurance initiatives across operational areas.
• Directly supervise supervisory and professional staff.
• Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, coaching, evaluation, and discipline of staff.
• Develop and maintain performance plans and tracking systems to drive individual and team accountability.
• Assist with preparation of program budgets and provide recommendations to the Section Manager.
• Analyze expenditures, allocate resources, and propose adjustments for cost‑effective operations.
• Monitor vendor contracts and program outcomes.
• Collaborate with other Human Services sections to ensure integrated and efficient service delivery.
• Provide leadership in the development of interdepartmental initiatives and continuous‑improvement efforts.
• Collect, analyze, and utilize data to measure program impact, identify trends, and support decision‑making.
• Develop reports and present findings with actionable recommendations to management and oversight bodies.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts within Human Services.
• Lead the implementation of new initiatives and pilots that advance equity, efficiency, and client‑centered care.
• Employ vision and strategy to drive positive results by leading with clear goals, objectives, and desired outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to make reasonable business decisions and recommendations using planning, organizing, and prioritizing skills.
• Ability to coordinate service delivery systems to achieve program objectives effectively, employing 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, analyze statistical data, and improve service delivery.
• Skills in preparing accurate and engaging reports using Microsoft Office products.
• Demonstrated abilities in effective communication, collaboration, relationship‑building, and teamwork across diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field (required).
• At least five years of leadership experience, including staff supervision and program management within human services or a related area (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.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (top‑rated pension program).
• Affordable Insurance Premiums – comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off – vacation, sick leave, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work‑Life Balance – flexible schedules and wellness programs.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) – an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

La Crosse County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process can be requested by contacting Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.