ECONOMIC SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Economic Support Specialist The Washington County Human Services Department, located in West Bend, has an excellent opportunity as a full-time Economic Support Specialist within the Economic Support Division. The Washington County Human Services Department offers responsive and effective community programs to individuals and families challenged by disability, economic hardship, and safety concerns. Under the general direction of the Economic Support Supervisor, the Economic Support Specialist performs duties in the determination of initial and continuing eligibility for, and provision of, financial assistance benefits to agency and consortium clients. This position is up to a 50% remote schedule based on supervisor approval after demonstrating proficiency in the job. Qualified candidates must possess: High school diploma or GED required Two years of technical or college level education and one year of full time work experience in human services, customer service, financial record keeping, or interviewing required. OR Five years of full time work experience in human services, customer service, financial record keeping or interviewing required. One year of computer experience in data entry, research, or retrieving information preferred. Starting hourly rate for the Economic Support Specialist is: $24.90 Washington County offers excellent benefits which include health, dental and life insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability; Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts; Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457); Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO); fitness center and tuition reimbursement. Washington County is recognized for our commitment to providing quality services to the citizens of our community. Our team members embrace the challenge of meeting goals and expectations. Every day we work to creatively problem solve, innovate and collaborate as a team to meet customer needs and deliver solutions. Our Mission We create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy our authentic quality of life through a well governed and administered county dedicated to safe and secure communities; economic growth and vitality; effective mobility and reliable infrastructure; and access to basic needs. Our Vision Washington County strives to cultivate its rich heritage, vibrant economy and attractive communities through the distinct values that define us. Our Values Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration. Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities Position Summary Under the general direction of the Economic Support Supervisor, performs duties in the determination of initial and continuing eligibility for, and provision of, financial assistance benefits to agency and consortium clients. Duties/Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Conducts interviews with clients in the five county Moraine Lakes Consortium to obtain financial and non-financial information necessary to complete the eligibility determination for programs of public assistance including Foodshare, Badger Care, Child Care, Caretaker Supplement and Medicaid. Includes any and/or all of the following: interactive online applications, discrepancy clarification, benefit reconciliation, assists clients in completing required forms, explains information to clients regarding economic assistance programs and analyzes the needs of the client in order to make necessary referrals to other programs or community resources. Answers calls in a 5 county regional call center performing any and all job functions associated with determining eligibility and ongoing case management including completing applications and renewals, responding to case specific questions, identifying and resolving case errors, explaining programs, policies and procedures to clients and making referrals to other community agencies. Analyzes, interprets, secures and reviews client statements and documentation such as legal documents, income tax forms, real estate contracts, evidence of immigration status, trust documents, financial records and medical records and enters data into Cares Worker Web for calculation of benefits. Determines initial and continued eligibility and benefit levels within specific time limits through reviewing and monitoring the income and assets of clients, analyzing and applying program rules, and ensuring that timely written notification is sent citing appropriate regulations or statutes for granting or denying benefits. Establishes and maintains electronic and paper case files, includes written worker narrations to ensure that assistance history, verifications, documentation and correspondence accurately reflect benefit issuances and error corrections. Researches, prepares written summary and appears as the agency representative at administrative hearings related to the denial, termination or reduction of economic assistance to a client. Analyzes applications and certifications identified as error prone as part of a front-end verification process which includes reviewing case files, computing overpayments, initiating fraud investigations and testifying in court. Develops and maintains effective working and public relations with County employees, consortium partners, state agencies, community representatives, contract staff, clients, families and the public. Attends staff meetings and participates as scheduled. Performs other duties as required or assigned. Work Direction Received Works with minimal supervision under the general direction of the Economic Support Supervisor. Supervision Exercised None. Decision Making Work priorities and other daily activities are assigned. Case specific decisions are made independently through interpretation of program policies. Interaction There is interaction with partner agencies, various community organizations, and the general public. Essential Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of applicable State and Federal rules and regulations, local rules, laws and codes regarding Economic Support programs. Ability to make decisions in accordance with rules and regulations of the agency. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, community agencies and staff. Ability to accurately gather and report facts, organize and carry out a broad variety of tasks, meeting deadlines. Working knowledge of mathematical methods and budgeting methods and techniques. Working knowledge of social-economic conditions within the County/region. Working knowledge of community and other resources sufficient to appropriately refer clients to proper resources. Ability to understand and comply with County, State and Federal confidentiality requirements. Ability to work with frequent interruptions, high work load volume, high call center volume and time pressures. Analytical and critical thinking skills are necessary to research and problem solve. Adaptable to ongoing changes in programs and processes. Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing, interact effectively with staff and the general public. Able to fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing) and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization). Training and Experience High School Diploma/GED. Two years of technical or college level education and one (1) year experience of full time work human services, customer service, financial record keeping, or interviewing OR five (5) years experience of full time work human services, customer service, financial record keeping, or interviewing required. One year of computer experience in data entry, research, or retrieving information preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr