Economic Support Specialist

Under the direction of the Human Services Manager-ES, using a family systems approach, the Economic Support Specialist is responsible for the coordination of services to eligible low-income individuals and families.  This position is responsible for the eligibility determination of assistance programs which include W-2, Medical Assistance, BadgerCare, Medical Assistance Purchase Plan, Healthy Start Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Energy Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Childcare, and Medicare Beneficiary Programs.  This position is also responsible for the coordination of case management related services for eligible families with other Human Services units, and/or community resources to assist the family in becoming self-sufficient.

ESSENSTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including the following:

• Professionally interview clients, verifying required information, and timely processing of their financial assistance programs applications, reviews and changes.
• Apply knowledge of program related computer systems including CARES, KIDS, LIHEAP, and EBT.  
• Apply knowledge and interpretation of federal regulations and state requirements for applicable assistance programs.
• Provide services to clients based on the knowledge and application of the family systems theory.
• Refer clients to additional or alternative programs to promote self-sufficiency.
• Assist clients as needed in applying for SSI/SSDI, DVR, Veteran’s benefits, low-income housing, and other needed services.
• Testify at court hearings, fair hearings, and administrative hearings.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community resources.
• Document case information in CARES.
• Attend staff/training development as appropriate and assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the Human Services Manager-ES.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of a high school diploma and experience working with low-income individuals/families in a confidential manner. 
• Associate degree or two years of college preferred.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid driver’s license.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and evaluate assessment information.  
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to clients, co-workers, other human services personnel, treatment centers, the court, probation and parole, and law enforcement.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, and kneel.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of the position, the employee works in an indoor environment where the noise level is usually moderate.

Salary : $51,563 - $58,323