Economic Support Specialist

Oconto County

Job Description

Job Title: Economic Support Specialist

Department: Health and Human Services

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for processing applications to determine and re-determine eligibility for state and federal assistance programs. This includes review, maintenance, and management of applicant data, personal and financial, and generating benefits in accordance with county, state and federal regulations. Also requires employee to staff the Change & Information Center for the Bay Lake Consortium. Must understand, support and work the values, mission, and vision of the agency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but are not limited to:

Process new applications received by mail or online via Access. Conduct comprehensive interviews with customers by telephone, face to face in office, or home visits for all current income maintenance programs based on state & federal regulations.

Verify information given which may consist of contact with various outside agencies. Document all case transactions and actions taken on case.

Process documents/verifications which consist of recording and evaluating personal & financial data obtained from applicant which is received electronically. Initiate procedures to grant, change, deny or terminate eligibility for various income maintenance programs. Issuing manual benefits when computer system denies program eligibility incorrectly.

Maintain an electronic case file which requires coding each document correctly to ensure it is filed correctly into the electronic case file.

Daily monitoring of CWW and CARES alerts and notifications by using system tools to timely manage caseload.

Evaluate questionable information to determine possible fraud. Enter information into CWW and CARES and refer allegation of welfare fraud to fraud investigator.

Answer questions and provide information about program requirements and procedures for customers, agency staff and other agencies.

Assess customer needs and make referrals to other agencies and community resources.

Staff toll free customer service phone line for Bay Lake Consortium.

Answer questions from customers, other agencies, advocates, attorneys, social workers, and protective payees regarding eligibility, resource and referral, case status and available programs.

Connect to a three-party call with an interpreter using Language Line System.

Answer calls in a timely manner, process and /or problem solve quickly and accurately, and perform wrap-up duties based on the performance standards determined by the state.

Process documents/correspondence received by the Change and Information Center for the consortium by working on cases for all workers within the consortium.

Process 10/30 day NV (not verified) closures, all BadgerCare Plus premiums received and dashboard work items due that day.

Attend Economic Support meetings, workshops, conferences, and mandatory State training to maintain accurate and current knowledge of programs. Participate in a program of staff development to enhance professional skills and knowledge through training and ongoing performance evaluations.

Make a written referral to social workers of suspected child abuse and neglect situations.

Research and prepare written summaries and appear as the agency representative at administrative hearings conducted by a State Administrative Law Judge related to the denial, termination, or reductions of economic assistance to a client.

Develop and maintain effective working and public relations with County employees, community representatives, contract staff, clients, families and the public.

Prepare for and respond to community emergencies including, but not limited to, natural and manmade disasters.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Make policy decisions in a timely manner and independently. Must evaluate information for all individual programs and prioritize duties. Have ability to modify and adapt standard procedures to meet changing state and federal income maintenance policies, procedures, and regulations. Make rapid and accurate decisions based on precedent and regulations contained in the Income Maintenance Manual and accompanying handbooks with limited assistance.

QUALIFICATIONS

An Associate’s degree in accounting or human services related field, plus two years’ experience in working with the public and/or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience with accounting/math analysis which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job.

Capable of understanding the need for confidentiality of data. Disclosure of information could result in fines, jail, or both for Economic Support Specialist. Possess strong interpersonal skills. Able to accurately process and be responsible for significant amounts of money and benefits each month. Errors may result in the county losing administrative State and Federal funding.

Knowledge of eligibility factors for all economic assistance programs. Knowledge of the geography of Oconto County to insure residency of clients, and must possess strong mathematical customer service skills, be computer literate and have investigative interviewing skills. Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate both verbally and in writing, to a level associated with an equivalent training. Must pass examination and new worker training module provided by the State. Must complete new and refresher training and computer based examinations provided by State annually.

Advanced computer skills with the ability to become knowledgeable with Economic Support specific programs and software.

Strong organizational and problem solving skills and strong multi-tasking abilities.

Critical thinking and exceptional communication skills.

Possess strong investigative interviewing and listening skills and work in a wide range of economic need. Capable of using tact and diplomacy when dealing with clients.

Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in organizing and prioritizing work within the program time limits.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as rate, ratio, percent, discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and to draw and interpret graphs. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Able to use discretion and integrity to process client and office information and data in a confidential and professional manner including protected health information (includes electronic PHI). Information may be of a personal nature and if disclosed, could cause serious adverse legal and community reaction and concern for this department, the county, or this position. Maintain security of all client records.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must meet State standards for training requirements under the ES Programs yearly.

Must provide own form of transportation, possess a current, valid driver's license, and have automobile liability insurance.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

General office equipment, computer, keyboard, printer, calculator, and photocopier.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in areas with security measures in place. The employee may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and may at times work with persons of questionable character, both in their homes and in the office. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities, duties, and skills required by personnel so classified.

Oconto County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.37 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oconto, WI 54153

Salary : $25