Economic Support Specialist

Job Title

Full-time, paraprofessional position will screen and interview applicants for various financial and economic assistance programs and obtain necessary information for assessing program eligibility. Considerable contact with customers, agency staff, and other community agencies is required. 75% to 90% of these interactions are completed over the phone in a virtual call center environment.

Required in person training period of 4 months to 1 year. Work from home could be available after the training period and all job areas are able to be performed independently and consistently.

To learn more about the position, please watch this video:

As an employee of the Department of Social Services and Marathon County, you will play a crucial role in managing and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. This position requires a high level of impartiality, integrity, neutrality, and confidentiality.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Interviews program applicants and assists customers in completing applications, review process for economic assistance programs including but not limited to FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, Child Care, Caretaker Supplement; verifies accuracy of eligibility factors, and determines eligibility and priority. 75 to 90% of these tasks are completed over the phone but may also be in person, or by mail or online.
• Provides information regarding programs and required application process.
• Takes information obtained from applicants and enters appropriate data into computer; reviews computer screens for accuracy of data and benefits; reviews cross match screen and supporting documentation to verify client information.
• Maintains accurate and current electronic case file information by updating case records with financial information and other data relative to the progress of each case, reviews eligibility within established deadlines. Accurately codes case work for State imaging system.
• Interacts with medical personnel, lawyers, landlords, banks, insurance companies, and other government and community agencies.
• Refers appropriate clients to other department units such as child welfare, child support, or fraud investigation; refers clients to outside community services as necessary, such as the Aging & Disability Resource Center-CW, Red Cross, Community Action Program, etc.
• May attend appeals held with administrative law judge regarding denials or other negative case actions; prepares agency documentation.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and training sessions to obtain updated information on policies and regulations applicable to varied financial and economic relief programs.
• Accesses Internet/Intranet resources, on-line training, and verification documentation.
• Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance; works extra hours as required.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of other community services provided by private, local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of the role of social service agencies in the community.
• Ability to learn, reference and utilize complex criteria and standards applicable to varied financial and economic support programs.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Skill in listening, observing, gathering facts and asking follow up questions, recording information accurately and objectively.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with customers and respond appropriately to their needs.
• Ability to work with customers and other individuals in a trauma informed manner.
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, face to face and on the phone.
• Skill in utilizing a computer using a variety of software and the Internet.
• Ability to understand the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

Qualifications:

An Associate's Degree in Human Services preferred; OR a high school diploma and two years related work experience in a social services/human services or public social services agency that preferably involves the CARES computer system; OR two years related work experience interviewing the public to gather information and determine eligibility, such as a bank loan officer or an insurance claims or employment representative. Other combinations of education and work experience that provide equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may also be considered.

Compensation:

Starting hourly rate: $24.13 + Marathon County benefits

Physical Requirements:

Low Physical Requirements - Job involves minimal physical exertion or movement. This job typically requires prolonged sitting, limited walking, or minor lifting.

All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

Selection Procedure:

The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone View phone number on click.appcast.io to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law