Economic Support Specialist

The Health and Human Services Department is currently advertising for an Economic Support Specialist to join their team.

This position will remain open until filled.  Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the posting may be closed once a satisfactory candidate pool is identified.

The purpose of this position is to determine eligibility and provide ongoing case management in a timely and accurate for economic support programs delivered in the eight county Western Regional for Economic Assistance Consortium. The work is performed by an Economic Support Specialist in accordance with applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws and under the supervision of the Economic Support/WREA Supervisor.  A majority of the time is spent on the phone conducting interviews, relaying information to program applicants/recipients and inputting data into electronic eligibility system.  

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

 

Interview applicants to determine eligibility for Medical Assistance, Food Share and Child Care Assistance. Interviews are typically done by phone but occasional in-person.  

 

Evaluates information obtained through interviews or submitted electronically, including personal income, expense and tax information. 

 

Research, interpret and explain federal, state and local policies governing eligibility, legal rights and responsibilities of economic support applicants and participants. Explain program eligibility, agency policies, benefits, forms and procedures with applicant.

 

Provide Economic Support case management services including answering questions, providing case status updates, processing reported changes, troubleshooting eligibility issues, processing verifications, re-determining eligibility and benefit amounts and making referrals to other departments and services.   

 

Assists clients in securing necessary information and completing required forms. Gather, analyze, verify, and process information. Record and enter data in the State automated eligibility system.  

 

Obtains and verified third party information needed to determine eligibility.

 

Explains available programs, client rights and responsibilities.

 

Maintain accurate well documented electronic files.

 

Authorizes monetary benefits in child care authorizations, Food Share, fees for service, and capitation rates for both Medical 

 

Assistance and Badger Care Plus, and authorizes caretaker supplement on social security income. 

 

Responds to financial and non-financial cross-matches and alert from other systems.

Verify Wisconsin Quest card information on the Food Stamp EBT system.

 

Communicate with collateral agencies to coordinate benefits.

 

Investigate Front End Verification (FEV) cases and Program Integrity cases.

 

Identify potential fraud and refer to the WREA Fraud staff. Provides testimony at administrative hearings and in court.

 

Monitor computer data exchange system (i.e. State Wage, Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, IRS Matches, etc.) and take corrective action on discrepancies.

 

Refers applicants and recipients to other community resources (food pantry, Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, transportation assistance, etc.) as appropriate.

 

Identify risk factors such as AODA domestic abuse, developmental disabilities or suspected child abuse and report to appropriate parties for follow-up.

 

Make home visits to homebound clients.

 

Protect client confidentiality and must follow HIPAA protocol.

 

Maintain knowledge of economic support policies, procedures and benefit program rules and regulations.

 

Participate in on-going training regarding changes in the federal and state regulations and technical advancements. Attend workshops, seminars, conferences and in-services.

 

May be required to work nights, weekends or during community emergencies and/or disasters.

Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiates, measure, assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.

 

Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

 

Ability to interpret and utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as customer contact sheets, lists, time studies, check registers, customer records, benefit program manuals, computer software operating manuals, policies, state statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.

 

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with customers, Social Service personnel, state and federal social service agencies, medical professionals, child support agency, attorneys, other agencies, and the general public.

 

Ability to gather information and communicate programs/benefits effectively through customer interviews using customer service skills, proficient communication skills, and interviewing skills.

 

Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals with a high degree of accuracy. 

 

Ability to use functional reasoning in performing semi-routine functions involving standardized work with some choice of action.

 

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving a variety of duties which may be subject to frequent change.

High school diploma, Associates Degree, preferably in Human Services, Public/Business Administration, economics or Accounting, two years related office, insurance, human service or economic support eligibility determination experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Spanish-speaking candidates are encouraged to apply; bilingual skills are a plus.  Possesses excellent computer skills, organization skills, data entry skills, customer service skills and non-judgmental attitude.  Must be able to handle a high volume of phone calls in a highly structured call center environment.  Must complete online training program in a timely manner and receive an Economic Support Specialist certification. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license and/or available means of transportation required.