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.
Social Worker – Community Support Program
Overview
FLSA: EXEMPT This is a professional bachelor’s degree-level social work position within the Integrated Support & Recovery Services (ISRS) section of the La Crosse County Human Services Department. The primary role of this position is to support consumers with chronic mental illness through our Community Support Program (CSP). Responsibilities include maintaining a clinical treatment relationship with consumers across all settings (e.g., hospital, jail, community, etc.) and providing ongoing support to provide as much independence as possible in the community.
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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
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Essential Job Functions
1. Safety, Crisis Response, and Protective Intervention
- Respond to acute crises involving mental health, safety, or environmental instability.
- Conduct risk assessments and initiate protective interventions when needed.
- Link individuals to immediate and ongoing services to ensure stabilization.
2. Assessment and Intake
- Conduct thorough assessments through interviews, home visits, and collateral contacts.
- Accept and review referrals; explain service options, program expectations, rights, and responsibilities.
- Engage individuals who are unsheltered or involved in the criminal justice system, when applicable.
3. Service Planning and Delivery
- Develop and update individualized service or safety plans.
- Provide services according to Wisconsin Statutes, program policies, and court requirements.
- Provide early intervention, stabilization, and resource linkage.
- Deliver recovery-oriented, strengths-based, trauma-informed supports.
- Support individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs in developing coping skills, resource connections, and recovery plans. • Facilitate group services and collaborate with multidisciplinary mental health teams.
4. Collaboration & Community Partnerships
- Collaborate with law enforcement and community partners to divert individuals from jail or emergency services.
- Coordinate or participate in care conferences.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary partners (behavioral health, medical, criminal justice, community agencies).
5. Documentation, Technology Use, and Compliance
- Document casework accurately and in a timely manner; maintain agency records.
- Use computers, software programs, and digital communication tools effectively.
- Testify in court when required.
6. Professional Conduct & Continuous Improvement
- Demonstrate self-leadership, commitment to learning, and openness to feedback.
- Maintain professional, respectful, and courteous behavior in all interactions.
- Participate as a positive, contributing member of the team.
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Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Work closely with police, courts, medical providers, shelters, and community agencies.
- Identify service gaps and coordinate needed interventions or partnerships.
- Provide public education or outreach as assigned.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of social welfare systems, human behavior, family dynamics, and socioeconomic factors.
- Understanding of community resources and their appropriate use.
- Knowledge of laws and regulations related to public welfare; preference for familiarity with Community Support Programs and DHS 63.
- Ability to work with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Skill in group facilitation and multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to accept feedback and manage emotional responses professionally.
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Training, Experience, and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or related field with 1,000 hours of supervised post-degree clinical experience with chronically mentally ill persons, or a bachelor’s degree in a field other than behavioral sciences with 2,000 hours of supervised post-degree clinical experience with persons with chronic mental illness.
- Wisconsin Social Worker certification (or temporary/training certification with required timeline).
- Experience working with multiple funding sources preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Proficiency with computers, data entry, and email/intranet systems.
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Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Frequent talking, hearing, and computer use; moderate sitting and occasional lifting (up to ~35 pounds).
- Community-based work including home visits.
- Occasional exposure to unsafe situations during crisis or field work.
- May require nights, weekends, or emergency response shifts depending on assignment.
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
[email protected].
Application Process:
All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.
