Economic Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY This position works in a call-center–style environment and determines the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs; determines sources, types, and levels of assistance available and takes proper action to issue benefits and conducts case management activities for eligible clients. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for this position. However, they 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 also be required or assigned. Refers potential fraud cases to the Consortium’s Benefit Recovery Team by entering information into the Benefit Recovery Investigation Tracking System (BRITS), as determined appropriate, using verbally reported information and policy analysis. Represents the agency in fair hearing legal proceedings by initiating correspondence to proper parties and/or agencies as assigned in response to State Attorney Law Judge Hearing assignments. Receives change reports over the phone, online, or by mail and predetermines eligibility based on policy and change reported. Interprets and applies established policies, regulations, and processes as standard practice in the accurate determination of eligibility and issuance of benefits within the specified time frames set by County, Consortium, State, and Federal regulations. Determines what verification items are needed for each program requested, interprets documents received, and enters into the State database system (CWW). Determines Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy eligibility for the eight county consortia including foster parents. Calculates number of authorized hours for Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy recipients through the eight county consortia and accurately enters the authorized hours into the Child Care Statewide Administration on the Web system (CSAW). Calculates average monthly Child Support income using the KIDS System. Uses federal tax forms (1040 form, Schedule C, Schedule F, Schedule E, 4797 form, etc.) to determine eligibility for IM and Child Care Programs for self-employed applicants (sole proprietor, partnerships, corporations, farming business, etc.). Acts on all cases by the verification due date to maintain a 95% timeliness score for Health Care and Food Share applications. Interprets multiple State and Federal data exchange systems to determine income received and Medicare eligibility of the applicant. Researches, interprets, and explains Federal, State, and local policies governing eligibility, legal rights, and responsibilities of applicants & participants. Refers applicants and recipients to other community resources (food pantries, WHEAP, Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, ADRC, etc.) as appropriate. Performs or reviews the eligibility determination for public assistance services including, but not limited to, FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, Medical Assistance to include Long Term Care, Caretaker Supplement, and Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy. Conducts interactive interviews by phone and/or in person for eligibility determination and/or redetermination in the statewide computer systems and enters appropriate data to initiate, maintain, and terminate eligibility for benefits. Secures, records, and verifies all collateral data for accuracy and completeness. Confirms initial benefits, ongoing benefits and program denials. Other duties as assigned. EXPECTATIONS Interprets and applies Federal, State, municipal, and Department rules, regulations, and policies. Attends work regularly and is punctual. Behaves professionally and presents an appropriate standard of grooming, hygiene, and dress that align with health and safety standards. Conducts self in such a way as to reflect positively on the County. Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities. Learns and understands the safe practices for the job being performed and complies with the safe work practices and personal protective requirements for the job. MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from high school with post‑high school training or experience in Social/Human Services, two (2) years’ experience working with the public, or an equivalent combination of education, skills, knowledge, and abilities may be considered for the job. Completes Economic Support New Worker Training Completes Department of Children and Families – WI Shares Childcare Eligibility and Authorization Training REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of public assistance program policies and procedures. Knowledge of interviewing techniques to elicit and probe for personal, financial, medical, or other sensitive information, including case file/computer records management. Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County. Knowledge of county, state and federal programs pertaining to regulations and mandates under which the department functions. Ability to utilize various computer software programs that are department‑specific. Ability to maintain accurate records of assigned activities. Skill in time management; prioritizing duties to accomplish a high volume of quality work product requiring minimal supervision. Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues. Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations successfully. Knowledge and ability to follow the policies and practices contained in the County Personnel Handbook. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours if needed. 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 as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with Human Resources. 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, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling 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 and observing general surroundings and activities. Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting. May require dealing with persons who are hostile or verbally aggressive, posing threatening conditions. #J-18808-Ljbffr