ADRC Benefits Specialist

Job Summary
Join our growing team where we believe that diversity makes us stronger!

If you are looking for a team-based, positive work culture that values and empowers staff, please consider joining our growing team. The ADRC values individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives, are collaboration focused and works to build connected relationships with community partners and customers.

Full-time position available to provide information, education, advocacy, and assistance to ADRC customers regarding public (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security) and private benefits. Experience interviewing customers, evaluating their needs, and providing personalized counsel on the benefit programs and options. Regularly perform public outreach and education to customers, professionals, and community partners. Extensive knowledge and experience working with public benefits, health care options, and other benefit related concerns desired. Bi-lingual persons encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties
Advises and counsels persons and their families regarding eligibility rules and application procedures for public benefits; provides information and suggestions by personal meetings and through phone communications; assesses needs of individuals and records actions taken and contact made to ensure progress is made with each consumer.

Represents persons as an advocate in adverse decisions made by administrative agencies in regard to public benefits; represents persons in any appeals process in the event of a negative action; counsels with supervisory attorneys about issues and concerns; screens calls for legal counseling and lawyer referral service; provides accurate and timely information in accordance with accepted practices and procedures.

Arranges benefit related workshops on topics for the purpose of providing consumers with current and accurate information and resources; arranges facilities for workshop and promotes the function to ensure citizens are aware of the opportunity; meets with attorney or paralegal from region’s legal backup in order to review unit’s work and ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

Speaks publicly to groups concerning benefit programs or aging/disability issues; develops educational workshops; prepares informational topics for the media; maintains current knowledge and awareness of benefit programs.

Provides information about other community agencies to consumers and makes appropriate referrals; networks with other related agencies and resources for the purpose of establishing effective working relationships and obtaining current information of programs.

Develops and updates distributed materials which serve as tools of information and program promotion; reads related materials in an effort to maintain current knowledge of developing and newly established changes in benefit programs, legislation, policies and procedures.

Has a “Duty to Report” during a community emergency/disaster according to the ADRC Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Participates in the work setting as a team player.

Participates in the planning and goal setting efforts of ADRC.

Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a Human Services related field and two years’ experience in public benefit, benefits counseling, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Previous experience working with older adults and persons with disabilities preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license and a satisfactory vehicle record.

AED/CPR Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of local community agencies and resources which serve older persons and/or persons with a disability and their families.

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

Ability to comprehend legal and regulatory information.

Ability to clearly articulate complex benefits, rules and regulations in terms that are easily understood.

Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office and effectively navigating the Internet.

Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of types of persons both individually and in groups.

Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.

Ability to apply research techniques to collect and analyze information.

Ability to understand and follow administrative structure and appeals processes of the Social Security System, Medicare and other public programs.

Ability to assertively advocate on behalf of ADRC consumers.

Ability to maintain accurate records and program reporting requirements.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/browncounty

Deadline Note: