Economic Support Specialist

Economic Support Specialist

Brown County Health and Human Services offers exciting challenges, personal growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference, all while preserving a strong work-life balance. As an employee, you will have the opportunity to serve individuals and families within your own community. Come and see all that Brown County has to offer!

Our Economic Support Unit is looking for self-motivated, organized and detail-oriented individuals to join our team now! An Economic Support Specialist determines eligibility for all Economic Support programs including Medicaid, Badgercare Plus, FoodShare, and Child Care assistance. Interviews consumers, collects data, and computes budgets; records and documents information; accesses, prepares and inputs all data into the statewide computer processing system. Telework may be considered upon successful completion of training.

Essential Duties

• Conducts interviews with clients to obtain financial and non-financial information necessary to determine eligibility, clarifies discrepancies; and analyzes the needs of the client in order to make necessary referrals to other programs.
• Secures, analyzes, interprets, and determines validity of client statements and documentation such as legal documents, income tax forms, real estate contracts, evidence of immigration status, trust documents, and financial, medical and employment records; and identifies and investigates questionable information.
• Determines initial and continued eligibility and benefits level within specific time limits through reviewing and monitoring the income and assets of clients, analyzing and applying complex program rules, reconciling benefit levels and ensuring that timely written notification is sent citing appropriate regulations or statutes for granting or denying benefits.
• Prepares and monitors clients' monthly budget computations using complex mathematical formulas, analysis of automated reports and detailed bookkeeping procedures.
• Utilizes multiple complex computer programs and databases to record, research, investigate and verify information; to assist in computing benefit levels; and to record and monitor case activity.
• Establishes and maintains electronic and paper case files to ensure that assistance history, verification, documentation and correspondence accurately reflect benefit issuances and error corrections.
• Answers questions from and provides information and explanations to clients, department staff, and other agencies regarding financial assistance and rights and responsibilities; assists clients in completing forms; and endeavors to adjust complaints.
• Researches and 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 re-certifications identified as error prone; refers appropriate cases for investigation.
• Develops and maintains effective working and public relations with County employees, community representatives, contract staff, clients, families and the public.
• Performs other duties as required, including special projects. Performs related functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience: Associates Degree in a business or human services related field, plus two years of professional experience in dealing with the public, and experience using a computer; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and county compliance standards, regulations, and eligibility factors of need determination for complex financial assistance.
• Considerable knowledge of the socio-economic factors in the community and ability to relate sensitively to diverse populations.
• Ability to interpret, analyze and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures regarding economic assistance programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, community agencies, county staff, governmental agencies, contract staff, medical or day-care vendors and the general public.
• Ability to utilize investigative interviewing to obtain necessary information from clients, verification sources and other agencies to maintain detailed records.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical computations and interpret financial and other complex documents.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to a diverse group of clients both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze, prepare and maintain detailed, accurate information, records, reports, and other documents.
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in organizing and prioritizing work within program time limits.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness in a high volume environment.
• Ability to understand, implement and utilize state of the art computer technologies and programs.
• Ability to gather facts and report them accurately.
• Ability to assimilate and respond constructively to constant change.
• Ability to maintain calm and professional demeanor in high stress and provocative circumstances.
• Ability to work the required hours of the position.

Benefits

Brown County offers a substantial benefit package. Here is some information: Eligible Employees: You may enroll in the Brown County benefits if you are an employee classified as a 0.5 FTE (full-time equivalent) working at least 18.75 or 20 hours per week. Health Care: Emplify Health by Bellin Nearsite Healthcare: Those enrolled in the County's health plan can access primary care, urgent care, lab work, physical and occupational therapy services at designated Bellin locations at no cost to the plan member. Bellin Health FastCare: This convenient care clinic offers employees and dependents enrolled in the health plan to seek care at any FastCare location at no cost. Teladoc: Offered at $0 employee cost. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offered through AllOne Health at $0 employee cost. Medical Benefits: Brown County's medical plan is administered by UMR. CVS Caremark administers the prescription drug benefits portion. We have a tiered system for employee contributions. Dental Plan: Brown County offers two dental plans, Delta Dental allows you to choose any dentist while the Care Plus plan requires you to see a Dental Associates dentist. One Pass Select gym program: We offer a subscription-based fitness and well-being program that supports a healthier lifestyle. Vision: We offer a voluntary vision plan through EyeMed Insight Network. Flex Spending: Healthcare FSA is offered as a cost savings tool to help with common medical expenses not covered by your insurance. Student Loan Forgiveness Program Also, working for the County means you can apply for student loan forgiveness after 10 years of employment based on qualifications. Learn more here: We also offer Accident Insurance, Cancer Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance.