Disability Benefit Specialist

Outagamie County Core Values

Invested in Serving

Better Together

Create Progress

Support Through Compassion
 

Position Purpose
Reporting to the Human Services Supervisor – ADRC, and under the direction of the legal services provider, the Disability Benefit Specialist provides benefit counseling and advocacy to individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 years with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or a mental illness in order to assure that they receive information about, assistance in, and accessing the public and private benefits for which they are eligible.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. 8AM - 4:30PM. Remote work 1 day per pay period 

Key Responsibilities
The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 
 

Informs, educates and counsels consumers and their families on available rights, services, entitlements and benefits.
Provides accurate and current information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefits and programs, and provides technical assistance about how to access such benefits.
Interprets and maintains a current knowledge in the areas of health care financing, income maintenance, community based services, and prescription drug coverage.
Assists potential applicants for private and government benefits and programs to locate and gather verifying data, both financial and non-financial.
Refers consumers to other service providers, private bar for legal representation, employment, and other disability-related counseling and services as necessary.
Provides information on consumer rights, complaints, grievance and appeal processes. 
Provides advice and assistance in preparing and filing complaints, grievances and appeals at the local and state levels, as well as beyond. 
Provides legal advocacy and representation in matters that require review, waiver, reconsideration, or hearing before administrative agencies.
Consults regularly with the designated DBS Program Attorney to determine appropriate interpretation of law or regulation and appropriate action to assist in resolution of client issues.
Compiles required statistical records; assures accurate data entry into mandated computer software.
Maintains public relations role through public speaking, written press releases, newsletter articles, etc.
Documents and maintains current consumer activity files for reporting purposes and service outcome effectiveness.
Completes Medicaid time reporting on a monthly basis.
Maintains consumer confidentiality.
Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime/extra hours as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in a health or human services related field. 
One to two year’s experience working with public benefits, insurance, and/or the legal system.  The ability to read, interpret, and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits. 
Required or Preferred Skills
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer with printer, typewriter, calculator, photocopier, telephone system with voice mail, and fax machine.
Ability to research and investigate problems, and advocate on behalf of consumers.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate decimals and percentages. 
Ability to comprehend and interpret applications information and documents including Medicare, Social Security, Medical Assistance, tax forms, bank statements, insurance payment forms, etc.
Ability to prepare written documents including press releases, consumer files, statistical reports, etc.
Ability to use and interpret medical and legal terminology, and knowledge of services and resources for persons with disabilities. 
Ability to communicate effectively with service organizations, health care providers, insurance company representatives, the general public, etc. verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen, communicate and be sensitive to older persons and their needs.
Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.
Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting:  https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources/employee-benefits-information

Outagamie County Diversity Statement: 

Outagamie County is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We pledge to amplify the voices of under-represented communities or those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial, social injustice and inequities. We strive to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion are embedded at all levels of Outagamie County programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. We will create and advance equitable polices, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting and procurement. We commit to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update our values when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. Outagamie County will strive to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.