HUMAN SERVICES ASSISTANT SECTION MANAGER- FAMILY & CHILDREN

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

55d

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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, evaluation, and discipline. Develops and maintains 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.
• The Assistant Manager is expected to take initiative and assume additional responsibilities as needed to ensure the effective operation and improvement of the section.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees