Disability Benefits Advocate & Counselor

SALARY RANGE$27.49 - $38.19WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILSWaukesha County's Department of Health & Human Services is recruiting for a full-time Disability Benefit Specialist to assist residents aged 17 years and 6 months to 59 years of age. Disability benefits specialists provide benefit counseling including providing information, assistance and advocacy to assist in obtaining and maintaining public and private benefits. Benefit specialists proactively assist the customer to achieve their benefits-related goals.EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:Conducts interviews and assesses the problems presented for type and timeliness of needed intervention.Provides information and assistance to resolve a wide range of issues in areas such as benefit applications, medical payments, insurance, housing, consumer matters, small claims, economic support, disability rights, and surrogate decision making.Provides accurate, timely and detailed analysis of information and advice regarding types, advantages, and disadvantages of various options for resolution of problems, including referral to appropriate community resources.Provides advocacy services in applying for or maintain benefits, writing correspondence for clients, filing appeals, case research, preparing evidence and information, representation at hearings, and negotiating settlements.Assists clients with private insurance-related problems by gathering necessary information or acting as liaison for clients with collection agencies. Consults with legal assistance provider for guidance and assistance in handling specific cases.Maintains knowledge of complex State and Federal laws and regulations regarding current benefits, programs, and services, including program changes and interrelationships.Works closely with volunteers in the benefit program; and develops and conducts training and orientation sessions.Conducts public sessions to provide information about entitlements, benefits, and community resources and to promote awareness and education on relevant issues.Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with program participants, co-workers, community agencies, legislators, attorneys, entitlement agencies, physicians, governmental agencies, and the public.Prepares and maintains detailed, timely records and reports. Performs other duties as required.QUALIFICATIONS - Essential Knowledge and AbilitiesComprehensive knowledge of available departmental, governmental, and community resources.Considerable knowledge of a wide variety of complex and changing benefit and entitlement programs and their rules, regulations, requirements and interrelationships.Considerable knowledge of life issues affecting older adults including insurance, economic support, housing, and long-term care.Working knowledge of such legal areas as landlord/tenant law, consumer matters, small claims, elder abuse, and surrogate decision making.Working knowledge of the psycho-social and physiological aspects of aging and their effects on the individual.Working knowledge of computerized department software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.Ability to interview, conduct accurate needs assessments, analyze information and take appropriate action.Ability to work independently and with little supervision.Ability to provide counseling, intervention, and referral services.Ability to exercise judgment and creativity in solving problems.Ability to gather facts, investigate, and document matters essential to specific cases.Ability to read, understand, interpret, and explain complex eligibility criteria and guidelines relating to a wide variety of benefits, entitlements and legal rights.Ability to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of a confidential nature.Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.Candidates who have experience working with adults ages 18-59 and individuals with disabilities, who are proficient with Microsoft office products (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook), and who have a bachelor's degree are preferred. The Disability Benefit Specialist receives supervision from the local ADRC Supervisor and case oversight from the program attorney.CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONTo view the full classification specification for Benefits Specialist click here .Minimum Training & Experience Requirements1. Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or business or public administration, or a closely related field.2. One year of full-time experience in a health or human service field working with the elderly or adults with physical or intellectual/developmental disabilities.Waukesha County provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including excellent health/dental/vision, life insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, 10 holidays, 3 floating holidays, ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year), an exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Successful candidates will be eligible for performance-based merit increases and non-base performance awards.Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.About Us:Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"Location:Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.EEO:Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.For further information visit: County does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Waukesha County, WI