The posting
Overview 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. 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 environment Make 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 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. Related Job Functions 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). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 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. Training, Experience and Other 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.
