Disability Benefit Specialist

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned as the ADRC contract, DBS Scope of Services, ADRC operational needs, best practices, or other operational requirements change.

DBSs 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 as defined by the Department in the Disability Benefit Specialist Scope of Services document.

• 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.

• 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.

• Provide advocacy, advice, and representation for customers during administrative hearings and grievance/appeals processes at local and state levels, including support for individuals with disabilities and behavioral health conditions.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including required reports, forms, and records, in compliance with Department standards.

• Attend initial and ongoing training as required by DHS and the ADRC.

• Make appropriate referrals for employment and other disability-related counseling and services.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards, including obtaining informed consent before disclosing client information, in compliance with DHS regulations.
• Be available for assigned work during the assigned hours Monday through Friday for in office or community work (home visits).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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
• Ability to attend and successfully complete training as required by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the ADRC

• Sensitivity to social problems, such as family disorganization, discrimination, disability, poverty, unemployment, etc. and the impact on the families.

• Understanding of the role and function of a county social service agency.

• Ability and willingness to work outside of work hours when needed.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies.

• An ability and enthusiastic willingness to work closely with people from diverse backgrounds and value systems in a supportive, non-judgmental manner.

• Maintain accurate, complete and timely records.

• Work as a collaborative team member.
  

Minimum required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a human services-related field, or a license to practice as a registered nurse in Wisconsin pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 441.06.

• The equivalent of at least one year of full-time experience in a health or human services field working with older adults and/or adults with disabilities. Qualified work experience may be paid or unpaid and may include internships, field placements, and volunteer work.

• Approval from DHS if the education and/or experience requirements are not met.

• Competent computer skills and computer experience

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and unlimited access to a personal vehicle along with a willingness to utilize personal vehicle as necessary to perform job duties and responsibilities including transport of agency consumers, if necessary.

• A minimum of $250,000/$500,000 auto liability insurance coverage verified upon hire and at renewal by providing a copy of the declaration page of your policy from your insurance carrier

In evaluating candidates for this position, the County may consider a combination of education, training and experience, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.