Disability Benefit Specialist

Description

The Disability Benefit Specialist shall provide benefits counseling and advocacy to individuals aged eighteen (18) through fifty-nine (59) with developmental disabilities physical disabilities mental illness and/or substance use disorders and for youth who are transitioning into the adult long-term care system.

Duties and Responsiblities

The following duties are illustrative and the person holding this position may be required to perform other duties of a similar nature or otherwise related to the position.

• Provide accurate and current information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefits and programs as defined by the Department (state office) in the disability benefit specialist programs Program Service Document.
• Provide information and technical assistance about how to access such benefits and information regarding the responsibilities of program participants.
• Assist potential applicants for private and government benefits and programs as defined by the Department to locate and gather verifying data both financial and non-financial.
• Provide information on consumer rights complaints grievances and appeals processes.
• Provide advice and assistance in preparing and filing complaints grievances and appeals at the local and state levels and beyond.
• Make appropriate referrals for employment and other disability-related counseling
• and services (e.g. to Independent Living Centers Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Rights Wisconsin).
• Consult with disability benefit specialist program attorneys working for or with or under contract to the disability benefit specialist program administered by the Department to determine appropriate interpretation of law or regulation and appropriate action to assist in resolution of concerns.
• Initiate investigations to gather needed information to perform advocacy duties.
• Provide representation as needed and appropriate for people with physical disabilities developmental disabilities mental illness and/or substance use disorders in administrative hearings and other formal or informal grievance steps.
• Refer to disability benefit specialist program attorneys working for or with or under contract to the disability benefit specialists program administered by the Department for consideration of representation in administrative and judicial Proceedings.
• Provide consumer and volunteer training and technical assistance to develop self and family advocacy.
• Negotiate on behalf of individuals with county agencies managed care organizations service providers or the state regarding disputes over long-term care mental health and substance abuse services.
• Identify and document concerns and problems of individuals with developmental disabilities physical disabilities mental illness and/or substance use disorders and related system-level issues and present that information to appropriate entities.
• Develop and/or participate in community education and outreach activities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully individuals should be able to meet all essential requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Social Work Sociology Psychology Gerontology or a closely related Human Services field.
• Certified or eligible for certification as a Social Worker in Wisconsin within two years of hire .

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum one year of full-time experience working with individuals with developmental or physical disabilities mental illness or elderly populations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of services for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities mental illness substance use disorders and youth transitioning into adult long-term care.
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers copiers and telephones.
• Ability to interpret documents including grant applications policies and procedures.

Certificates/Licenses

• Valid Wisconsin drivers license ability to drive and reliable daily transportation.

Skills

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Participate in multi-departmental planning or quality improvement projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Responsible for knowledge of agency programs to answer general program questions ascertain the appropriate contact within the agency or refer to an outside source in an efficient manner.
• Maintains a professional relationship with staff peers and upper management.
• Adheres to the policies procedures and work rules of the County.

Additional Information

Work Environment

Essential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:

• Takes place in standard office setting with a moderate noise level.
• Utilizes office equipment such as computers phones and photocopiers.
• Position may require occasional travel to other County facilities training sites or community locations.
• Duties may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position including frequent sitting walking standing and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation age marital status veteran status or disability status.

ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process please contact .

Required Experience:

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