Lead Economic Support Specialist

Dane County Human Resources department has six (6) full-time (1.0 FTE) promotional vacancies for a Lead Economic Support Specialist.

The eligibility list created will be used to fill similar Lead Economic Support Specialist vacancies over the next six (6) months.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

This is an advanced level leadership classification in the Economic Assistance and Work Services Division within the Capital Consortium. Under general supervision, this classification will provide technical assistance, mentor, train new workers and perform ongoing training for existing workers. Manage cases that are identified as more complex, difficult or coded confidential. Assist management and workers to ensure high performance standards and compliance, ensure staff is aware of changes in state and federal program requirements and monitor those standards. Assist management in maintaining, researching, developing and monitoring internal processes that will assist all Consortium agency staff. Act in the supervisor’s absence to provide policy interpretation and take discretionary case actions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Positively impact application, document processing, and renewal timeliness by coordinating with supervisors to analyze the daily consortium workload in determining work priorities. Coordinate and delegate work to workers for the unit and consortium. Manage the consortium Helpline and Problem Resolution Inbox providing immediate problem solving to workers for complex cases and situations. Resolve escalated situations, both in-person and over the phone. Manage fair hearings for the consortium by analyzing, researching, and overseeing preparations for agency justification. Provide client fraud investigations for fraud consortium partners outside of Dane County. Maintain fraud related statistics such as referrals received, investigations complete, and overpayments calculated. Create and maintain training calendars for new and experienced staff, including coordinating training with other consortium lead workers. Plan, develop, and present training materials and resources for new policy, procedure, and system changes. Completes monthly budget computations and reviews and processes new applications. Lead workers may be assigned training duties which could include new worker training, new policy and procedure training, and refresher training for experienced workers.

Education, Training and Experience:

Must have any combination of training and experience equivalent to three (3) years of economic assistance work experience. 

Special Requirements: 

A valid driver's license and access to personal transportation may be required for some positions.  Minimal overnight travel may be required. Some positions may require bilingual skills in a Southeast Asian language (Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian or Vietnamese) and English, and bicultural in Southeast Asian (Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian or Vietnamese) and American. Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish-English. (Must be able to pass bilingual tests.)

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.). Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Sedentary work, using cordless headsets, reading from computer monitors, and using a keyboard and mouse for up to eight hours per day. Interactions on a regular basis with individuals who are experiencing economic and personal distress due to various issues; creating potentially volatile situations. Engage in lengthy verbal conversations with clients, coworkers, and community partners both in person and over the phone. Flexibility of job position, duties and office location is essential - no one is permanently assigned to a specific unit, office or duty.  Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm.   Schedule may deviate ½ hour or one hour based on agency needs.   Work in office environment. Extensive knowledge of state/federal economic support and employment and training program policy, procedures, and related requirements. Knowledge of social and economic conditions in the community, the role and functions of social services and employment and training agencies, and community resources. Ability to relate sensitively to diverse populations and their needs. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex guidelines and regulations. Ability to work independently and to exercise judgement. Ability to effectively develop written materials. Ability to gather facts and report them accurately. Ability to assimilate and respond constructively to constant change. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with agency staff, other agencies, local officials, and state staff. Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor. Knowledge of training principles and techniques which include training needs assessments, designing and delivering training, evaluating results, and establishing a climate for learning. Advanced level knowledge of Economic Support and Work Program computer systems CARES (CWW), Forward Health, EBT, CSAW, KIDS, EATS and other systems including, but not limited to, and Microsoft Office products. Ability to effectively listen and consider the point of view of participants in training; and the ability to design learning experiences for accomplishing a variety of purposes while considering individual differences among learners. Requires leadership skills, a high level of professionalism, ability to maintain confidentiality with staff and case participants, and the ability to work in a team atmosphere.