OFFICE ASSISTANT - ECONOMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM

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 is a specialized clerical position in the Economic Support Section of the Human Services Department. Primary duties will vary, depending on area of specialization, providing clerical and related services for the multi-county Western Region for Economic Assistance (WREA) Income Maintenance Consortium or processing Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) applications. Employees use independent judgment in carrying out assignments and in making decisions within established policies and guidelines and work with minimum supervision.
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
Acts as first point of contact for walk-in customers; greets customers with scheduled appointments and notifies appropriate staff of customer's arrival.
Answers phones in Economic Support lobby.
Provides information and answers questions about the programs available through the WREA Consortium and La Crosse County Economic Support; explains general eligibility guidelines and application processes.
Refers customers to self-service telephone and computer services within lobby, and provides technical support. Arranges for a customer to meet with an on-site eligibility worker or supervisor as appropriate.
Accepts paper Requests for Assistance; reviews Food Share Priority Service information and completes client registration when appropriate.
Schedules appointments for Energy Assistance, and local face-to-face appointments for Income Maintenance and Child Care programs.
Works in the Cares Worker Web (CWW) system to look up eligibility related information, and provide administrative support for workload assignment, tracking and reporting.
Reviews eligibility notices wit