Mediabistro logo
job logo

SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM

La Crosse County Library, Inc., La Crosse, WI, United States


SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM
Job Description
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.

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 paraprofessional position in the Human Services Department to which employee is selected and supervised by the Nutrition Program Supervisor. Employee works under close to moderate supervision to support the daily operations of the Senior Nutrition Program.

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

Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

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
Elderly Nutrition Program Workers, volunteers, and community partners. Maintains regular communication and check‑in with nutrition program sites.

Assists with responding to requests for nutrition services by determining participant eligibility and route availability, collecting required customer information, and reviewing program details with applicant.

Enter and maintain nutrition participant information in data management system in a timely fashion.

Ensures nutrition program forms and reporting documents are completed accurately and on schedule in accordance with program requirements, files participant and program records in a timely fashion.

Generates monthly Nutrition Program contribution/donation statements for participants.

Assists with the development and presentation of nutrition education at nutrition program sites, as well as educational articles for the La Crosse Senior Life newsletter and other materials as appropriate.

Refers participants and/or caregivers to ADRC Professionals when additional needs are identified.

Participates in state, regional, and local meetings, including applicable training for nutrition program.

Provides back‑up for nutrition program operations, including but not limited to nutrition site management, congregate dining serving, and home‑delivered meals packing and/or delivery.

Maintains strict confidentiality of work‑related information.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative, and respectful always, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative, and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public officials.

Employee is expected to report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.

Physical demands: large percentage of time is spent sitting at desk, using oral communication, judgment, hearing, near vision, fingering for keyboarding and calculators, reading, writing. Handles papers and manuals, etc., lifts files, copy paper and other office materials. Sits, stands, bends, and reaches intermittently throughout the day. Frequently moves about the office building and travels to nutrition sites and other offices for meetings. Drives car. In unusual situations, there is the potential for exposure to blood/body fluids.

Related Job Functions
May be required to work nights, weekends, or during community emergencies and/or disasters, when work may vary from normal job responsibilities.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of policies, laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the ADRC, particularly the nutrition program as established by the Older American Act.

Knowledge of hygiene and sanitary regulations governing the handling, preparation, and serving of food.

Knowledge and understanding of aging, disabilities, and nutrition. Knowledge of community, organizations, and support services for older adults.

Ability to plan and develop educational materials.

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft programs including Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Ability to plan, schedule, and organize work to ensure timely completion.

Ability to understand and practice the confidential nature of the position.

Ability to interact with participants and volunteers in a courteous and respectful manner.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to be prompt and regular when reporting to work.

Ability to interview people, extract information and make good, independent judgements.

Ability to accept, adapt, and adjust to changes.

Ability to participate in meaningful training or educational opportunities provided by the agency, State or other resources. Ability to effectively work with diverse populations.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements
Position requires some level of experience and/or advanced training in food management or related field.

If not already certified, must obtain Applied Food Service Sanitation certification within 30 days after start of employment.

Experience working with older adults and/or individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.

Experience using various computer programs and excellent interpersonal skills.

Must have and maintain valid driver’s license, good driving record, access to personal transportation and meet the minimum insurance requirements of the County, or other reliable means for County‑wide travel.

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

jobs@lacrossecounty.org .

#J-18808-Ljbffr