St. Croix County
ADRC Disability Benefit Specialist I/II
St. Croix County, New Richmond, Wisconsin, United States, 54017
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:This position provides detailed technical information, guidance, and assistance to persons with disabilities ages 18 to 59, related to individual eligibility for, and problems with, public benefits and services. The position advocates on behalf of its consumers when there are adverse decisions regarding public benefits including assisting with appeals. The position also provides education around public and private benefits. The goal of this position is for consumers to receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Offers information, assistance, and guidance related to individual eligibility for public benefits and services and to health care financing, insurance, housing and other financial problems and consumers concerns.Provides advocacy, guidance, and representation to disabled consumers and consults with legal back-up as needed in administrative hearings and other formal or informal grievance steps. DBS casework and training is overseen by the attorneys of Disability Rights Wisconsin.Assists with obtaining and maintaining public programs and private health insurance benefits through office visits, home visits and community site visits. This includes assisting consumers with applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI). The application process takes 9 - 12 months.Determines case acceptance, handling and closing according to guidelines set by the state Disability Benefit Specialist Program.Maintains ethical and confidentiality standards derived from the Older American Act and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules of Professional Responsibility governing the attorney conduct.Complies with daily and monthly federal and state reporting requirements; maintains detailed case files and records; generates reports including 100% time and task reporting.Maintains current and thorough knowledge regarding public benefits and entitlement services and their rules, regulations, and requirements, by attending mandatory monthly trainings and tracking updates. DBS position requires extensive initial training and at least 46 hrs/year of mandatory ongoing training. Completing and maintaining SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) certification.Ensures partners and volunteers are trained and informed on rules regarding confidentiality and conflict of interest.Undertakes outreach to educate older adults and adults with disabilities regarding Medicare and Medicaid options, other public assistance programs and Advanced Directives.Develops and distributes informational materials, brochures, and media releases; submits articles to newsletter; drafts various correspondence.Conducts research; develops advocacy letters for consumers receiving services.Surveys consumers regarding satisfaction, needs and suggestions for program improvements.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of laws and regulations that affect the delivery of services provided by the Department.Knowledge of community resources, and alternative care resources.Knowledge of applicable state statutes.Knowledge of human development and behavior, family and group dynamics, and mental, physical and social dysfunctions.Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences and special needs of various minority groups, and ability to consult with other staff regarding these.Ability and skill to relate to clients in stressful or crisis situations.General knowledge of interviewing and supportive counseling techniques.General knowledge of social casework techniques.Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates and the general public.General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, equipment and office techniques.Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.Possess accurate basic math skills.Some knowledge of the County and department programs and policies.Some knowledge of the use of a multi-line telephone system.Ability to read and understand basic County and State policies and procedure of limited scope and difficulty.Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.Ability to operate standard office equipment and perform word processing and/or data entry.General knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form.Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.Ability to read County policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, safety manuals, maps, etc.MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate mathematical calculations.REASONING ABILITY
Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.Ability to maintain discretion regarding reports and conversations within the provision of applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.Organizational and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.Ability to maintain confidentiality.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking and reaching with hands and arms.Work has standard vision requirements.Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.Travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable illnesses and diseases and unsafe environments.May require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or violent, posing threatening conditions.WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in an office setting. On rare occasion, work may be performed in another location such as a residential facility, court, school, etc.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist I
Bachelor's degree in a health or human services related field.Three (3) years' experience working with one or more of the client populations served by the ADRC.Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, advocacy, Social Security and/or consumer rights desired.Must become a Certified SHIP Counselor within 18 months of hire.Appointment is conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background check.ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist II
Must meet all of the education and experience requirements of an ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist I, including obtainment of a SHIP Counselor certification.Minimum of three (3) years' experience as an ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist I with St. Croix County or a similarly related role within another organization that performed ADRC duties. Experience must indicate mastery of professional knowledge about related services, programs, and resources and ability to meet program requirements and enhance the programs and services provided.
Full Pay Range: $28.45 - $41.61
Expected Pay Range: $28.45 - $33.79
FTE: 1.0
Department: HHS - ADRC
St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual's race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
POSITION SUMMARY:This position provides detailed technical information, guidance, and assistance to persons with disabilities ages 18 to 59, related to individual eligibility for, and problems with, public benefits and services. The position advocates on behalf of its consumers when there are adverse decisions regarding public benefits including assisting with appeals. The position also provides education around public and private benefits. The goal of this position is for consumers to receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Offers information, assistance, and guidance related to individual eligibility for public benefits and services and to health care financing, insurance, housing and other financial problems and consumers concerns.Provides advocacy, guidance, and representation to disabled consumers and consults with legal back-up as needed in administrative hearings and other formal or informal grievance steps. DBS casework and training is overseen by the attorneys of Disability Rights Wisconsin.Assists with obtaining and maintaining public programs and private health insurance benefits through office visits, home visits and community site visits. This includes assisting consumers with applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI). The application process takes 9 - 12 months.Determines case acceptance, handling and closing according to guidelines set by the state Disability Benefit Specialist Program.Maintains ethical and confidentiality standards derived from the Older American Act and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules of Professional Responsibility governing the attorney conduct.Complies with daily and monthly federal and state reporting requirements; maintains detailed case files and records; generates reports including 100% time and task reporting.Maintains current and thorough knowledge regarding public benefits and entitlement services and their rules, regulations, and requirements, by attending mandatory monthly trainings and tracking updates. DBS position requires extensive initial training and at least 46 hrs/year of mandatory ongoing training. Completing and maintaining SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) certification.Ensures partners and volunteers are trained and informed on rules regarding confidentiality and conflict of interest.Undertakes outreach to educate older adults and adults with disabilities regarding Medicare and Medicaid options, other public assistance programs and Advanced Directives.Develops and distributes informational materials, brochures, and media releases; submits articles to newsletter; drafts various correspondence.Conducts research; develops advocacy letters for consumers receiving services.Surveys consumers regarding satisfaction, needs and suggestions for program improvements.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of laws and regulations that affect the delivery of services provided by the Department.Knowledge of community resources, and alternative care resources.Knowledge of applicable state statutes.Knowledge of human development and behavior, family and group dynamics, and mental, physical and social dysfunctions.Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences and special needs of various minority groups, and ability to consult with other staff regarding these.Ability and skill to relate to clients in stressful or crisis situations.General knowledge of interviewing and supportive counseling techniques.General knowledge of social casework techniques.Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates and the general public.General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, equipment and office techniques.Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.Possess accurate basic math skills.Some knowledge of the County and department programs and policies.Some knowledge of the use of a multi-line telephone system.Ability to read and understand basic County and State policies and procedure of limited scope and difficulty.Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.Ability to operate standard office equipment and perform word processing and/or data entry.General knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form.Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.Ability to read County policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, safety manuals, maps, etc.MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate mathematical calculations.REASONING ABILITY
Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.Ability to maintain discretion regarding reports and conversations within the provision of applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.Organizational and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.Ability to maintain confidentiality.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking and reaching with hands and arms.Work has standard vision requirements.Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.Travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable illnesses and diseases and unsafe environments.May require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or violent, posing threatening conditions.WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in an office setting. On rare occasion, work may be performed in another location such as a residential facility, court, school, etc.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist I
Bachelor's degree in a health or human services related field.Three (3) years' experience working with one or more of the client populations served by the ADRC.Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, advocacy, Social Security and/or consumer rights desired.Must become a Certified SHIP Counselor within 18 months of hire.Appointment is conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background check.ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist II
Must meet all of the education and experience requirements of an ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist I, including obtainment of a SHIP Counselor certification.Minimum of three (3) years' experience as an ADRC Disability Benefits Specialist I with St. Croix County or a similarly related role within another organization that performed ADRC duties. Experience must indicate mastery of professional knowledge about related services, programs, and resources and ability to meet program requirements and enhance the programs and services provided.
Full Pay Range: $28.45 - $41.61
Expected Pay Range: $28.45 - $33.79
FTE: 1.0
Department: HHS - ADRC
St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual's race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.