Description:
Price County is accepting applications for an ADRC-N Disability Benefit Specialist within the Health and Human Services department. This position is located at the Price County Branch of the ADRC-N. The Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) assists people living within the ADRC-N region with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, and/or substance abuse disorders between the ages of 18 and 59 with accessing public and private benefits. This position is supervised by the local ADRC-N supervisor in collaboration with a DBS Program Attorney who provides substantive case oversight.
This is a full-time, regular position with a starting hourly wage of $22.05 (Grade F) and full benefit package. Benefits include Wisconsin Retirement System with employer match, income continuation insurance, choice of multiple health insurance plans including a no deductible plan, 22 days of paid leave within the first year, 10 paid holidays per year, paid maternity/paternity leave, and quarterly employee lifestyle enhancement reimbursement perk. Dental/vision, flex spending, WI Deferred Comp, life, short-term disability, accident, and cancer/critical illness coverages are available.
Job Responsibilities
100%
Job duties are assigned and the employee uses initiative to meet recurring objectives. DBS Program Attorney is consulted on case decisions prior to completion of new worker training; completed cases are reviewed for accuracy. Following successful completion of training, consults DBS Program Attorney for substantive case oversight.
- Provide outreach and public education for ADRC-N region through the development of a regular schedule for on- site office hours, informational materials, written newspaper and newsletter articles and personal presentation or appearance on radio or TV, if appropriate; carries an ongoing public relations role
- Target group includes low-income, frail/disabled, rural and socially isolated population
- Conducts home visits when necessary and provides information to alert individuals of their rights, benefits, and entitlements
- Provide accurate and current information regarding eligibility for all publicly-funded disability benefits and private services available within the ADRC-N region
- Assist and advise individuals with identifying and applying for benefits, entitlements, or reimbursements
- Provide advice in areas permitted by law for non-attorneys to individuals on issues involving rights, benefits, or entitlements
- Provide direct advocacy under the supervision from the DBS Program Attorneys on behalf of persons with disabilities in cases involving rights, benefits, or entitlements
- Explore alternatives for financial assistance
- Conduct intake, interview, and evaluation and determines appropriateness of initiating a case through necessary screening, research and investigation and assesses likelihood of public benefit eligibility of each client; screens for priority service
- Secure verification and documentation of required information
- Prepare, transcribes, queries, and enters information into appropriate computer systems
- Comprehend the intent and effects of documents pertaining to bank accounts, insurance policies, mortgages, rental agreements, interest, stocks, bonds, divestments, tax forms, retirement and Social Security payments, pay stubs, and bankruptcy
- Maintain confidential, organized, detailed and carefully documented case files for each client/case
- Interpret regulations and standards set forth in policy manuals accurately and logically
- Identify issues/problems that people with disabilities are encountering and refers to DBS program attorneys or other appropriate resources, services, agencies, or private attorneys
- Determine the accuracy of information and reconciles discrepancies
- Keep informed of and process all program changes
- With DBS Program Attorney’s assistance, represent clients with disabilities in appeals or disputes including, but not limited to, Social Security Administration, economic support, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, clinics, hospitals, and housing authorities
- Participate in and completes ongoing training as required by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the ADRC-North
- Complete required daily/monthly/quarterly/annual reports and complies with all established policies and procedures of the state and county
- Participates in regional, local, and individual meetings as required
- Due to the regional nature of this position, extensive travel will be required
- Perform all other duties as assigned