Economic Support Specialist

Performs intermediate technical work performing case assessments regarding eligibility for public financial assistance, providing administrative assistance to the general public, referring clients to appropriate financial resources, maintaining files and records, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Economic Support Services Manager. Responsibilities Conducts intensive investigative interviews to obtain and evaluate financial and non-financial information in order to determine eligibility for public assistance which includes Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, Child Care Assistance, Caretaker Supplement. Resolves all discrepancies through various means including investigations and cross matches and databases; prepares Fraud and Program Integrity referrals; participates in Fair Hearings and court proceedings. Answer calls in a Call Center and provide case status updates, answer questions, process changes and renewals, troubleshoots problems, and responds to emergency needs. Maintains accurate caseload including reviewing cases for continued eligibility, processing documents, report forms, and changes within mandated time frames. Attends weekly staff meetings and meetings and training on an ongoing basis to maintain proficiency in various ways such as classroom, in person, WISLINE, distance learning, and online to maintain knowledge of continual technical advancements of changing state guidelines. Provides assistance to walk-in clients needing assistance with drug tests, renewals, applications, vault cards, premiums and verifications, and any other general questions. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Performs other related functions and duties as assigned or required. It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties that an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive. High school diploma or GED and moderate experience in customer service, file management, human services, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associates/Technical degree preferred. Obtain State of Wisconsin FoodShare Employment and Training certification and New Worker, Childcare, Eldercare, Blind, Disabled, and Long-Term Care training within 6 months of hire. Valid driver's license in the State of Wisconsin. Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Thorough knowledge of County and department policies and procedures to include emergency and inclement weather policies; ability to prioritize and manage multiple, concurrent projects; attention to detail and ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances; ability to conduct intensive investigative interviews to obtain and evaluate financial and non-financial information in order to determine eligibility for public assistance; ability to answer calls in a Call Center setting; ability to stay abreast of continual technical advancements of changing state guidelines; ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals; ability to operate and use standard office equipment; knowledge and ability to use standard office and position-specific software; ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and the general public. Physical Demands This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic). 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. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is considered moderate for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr