Disability Benefit Specialist

The Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) also assists adults with mental health disorders or substance use disorders access public and private benefits. The position is located at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Douglas County.

Wage is based on the 2026 scale: $28.96 - $31.31 per hour. FLSA status: non-exempt. Full-time based on 37.5 hours per week.

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail
• County-paid Life Insurance Policy – coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee’s expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer
  
  

The following duties are normal for this position but should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Disability Benefit Specialists perform a wide variety of duties, including but not limited to the following:

• Provide accurate information on public and private benefits and programs, including application, appeal, and grievance information.
• Help customers access benefit programs.
• Evaluate potential eligibility.
• Assist with applications.
• Counsel on health insurance plan and coverage options.
• Read, interpret, and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits and work with the DBS program attorneys for clarification.
• Advocate for customers in administrative hearings and grievance procedures, including representation when appropriate.
• Assist customers in gathering documentation and evidence for applications and appeals, such as medical and employment records.
• Consult regularly with program attorney regarding individual cases and general caseload.
• Refer customers to other agencies and services, when appropriate.
• Attend initial and ongoing training as required by DHS and the ADRC.
• Complete and submit all required paperwork (for example, applications and appeal requests, time reporting spreadsheets, database reports) in a timely manner.
• Ability to advocate on behalf of customers.
• Ability to communicate detailed and complex information to customers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve problems.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with public benefits preferred.
• Ability to travel to customers’ homes, when necessary.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards.
• Ability to attend and successfully complete training as required by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the ADRC.
• Performs other duties as required.
  

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a human services–related field, or licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin pursuant to Wis. Stat.

• 441.06.
  
  

Experience

A minimum of one (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in a health or human services setting working with older adults and/or adults with disabilities.

Qualifying experience may be paid or unpaid and may include internships, field placements, or volunteer work.

Licensure & Transportation

Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.

Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of community resources available to target populations served by the ADRC.
• Knowledge of the warning signs of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation and be able to identify customers who may be at risk.
• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate an understanding of cultural competence and diversity when providing services.
• Knowledge of computers, computer programs and data entry.
• Basic knowledge of Wisconsin’s Medicaid long-term care programs and their eligibility, requirements, and procedures.
  
  

Required Competencies

• Communication; Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively in both written and verbal formats with clients, providers, coworkers, and partner agencies, ensuring accurate understanding of disability benefit information, eligibility requirements, and procedural expectations.
• Collaboration & Professional Relationships; Establishes and maintains effective, respectful working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, customers, medical providers, and staff from other agencies to support coordinated service delivery and positive outcomes for clients.
• Confidentiality & Ethical Practice; Maintains strict confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive client information, files, and communications, ensuring compliance with applicable privacy requirements and open records laws.
• Judgment & Decision-Making; Applies sound judgment and discretion when interpreting policies, regulations, and eligibility criteria; evaluates information thoroughly; makes timely, well-reasoned decisions; and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Accuracy, Accountability & Time Management; Performs detailed and complex work accurately and independently, follows through on responsibilities, and ensures tasks and case actions are completed correctly and within required timeframes.
• Initiative & Continuous Improvement; Demonstrates initiative in identifying issues, addressing challenges, and improving processes; seeks continuous learning related to disability programs and regulations; and strives for high-quality service delivery.
• Equity, Inclusion & Client Sensitivity; Shows patience, tolerance, and respect for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities; provides equitable service; and fosters an inclusive, supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
  
  

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses the standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and fax machines.

Job duties may be carried out in customers’ homes, clinics/hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Physical Requirements

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. This position performs non-sedentary and sedentary work. Non-sedentary work includes walking distances on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs, standing and sitting, carrying work equipment and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Testing Requirements

Structured interview; background investigation; reference check. Complete any mandatory training in the ADRC’s Learning Management System upon hire.

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.