What are the responsibilities and job description for the Disability Benefit Specialist position at Portage County?
JOB REQUIREMENTS: Counseling and Advocacy Provide accurate and current
information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefit
programs. Keep regular office hours for scheduled appointments at
Lincoln Center. Develop accessible service in rural areas of the county
and make home visits when necessary. Provide information and assistance
Regarding How To Access Benefits. Assist Potential Applicants For
Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security
Disability Insurance, Food Share and Family Care in locating and
verifying data (financial and non-financial). Provide information
regarding consumer rights and complaints, grievances and appeals at the
local and state levels or beyond. Perform necessary
research/investigation in individual cases. Provide advice and
assistance in preparing and filing complaints, grievances and appeals at
the local and state levels or beyond. Make appropriate referrals for
employment and other disability-related counseling and services. Consult
with program attorney to determine appropriate interpretation of law or
regulation and appropriate action to assist in resolution of concerns.
Refer to program attorney for consideration of representation in
judicial proceedings. Maintain confidential files documenting all
actions taken and follow up thoroughly until resolution of problem.
Provide information on current benefits issues to target groups by
making presentations in the community. Provide information for
newsletters and local newspapers; edit and develop appropriate news
releases. Plan and Implement Systems and Strategies for Service
Improvement Develop activities which will expand and enhance Benefit
Specialist services. Develop public relations effort to make people
aware of service. Provide consumers with training and technical
assistance in developing self-advocacy skills. Evaluate service
effectiveness and make appropriate changes. Identify concerns and
problems of individuals with disabilities and related system level
issues. Present that information to appropriate organizations.
Recordkeeping Complete all reporting requirements to the State of
Wisconsin and Disability Rights Wisconsin on the level and extent of
Disability Benefit Specialist services. Training Study and keep current
on changes to public entitlement programs and new legal issues of
concern to adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Attend
and successfully complete training provided by the Department of Health
Services. When possible, attend training recommended and approved by the
ADRC Director. Coordination Coordinate with agencies such as the Social
Security Administration, District Attorney\'s Office, Health and Human
Services, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living
Centers and other service providers, and relevant local/state offices.
Refer clients to other community services as appropriate.
Advocate/network with local bar association for pro bono services.
\*\*\*\*\* OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with Social
Security, Medicare, Medical Assistance, SSI or as paralegal helpful.
Experience in program planning and development necessary. Possession of
a valid driver\'s license and access to an insured vehicle for
work-related travel. \*\*\*\*\* APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply In
Person: Portage County Human Resources 1462 Strongs Ave. Stevens Point,
WI 54481 Apply Online: www.co.portage.wi.gov Other: You may also call
715-346-1327 to have an application mailed to you.
information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefit
programs. Keep regular office hours for scheduled appointments at
Lincoln Center. Develop accessible service in rural areas of the county
and make home visits when necessary. Provide information and assistance
Regarding How To Access Benefits. Assist Potential Applicants For
Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security
Disability Insurance, Food Share and Family Care in locating and
verifying data (financial and non-financial). Provide information
regarding consumer rights and complaints, grievances and appeals at the
local and state levels or beyond. Perform necessary
research/investigation in individual cases. Provide advice and
assistance in preparing and filing complaints, grievances and appeals at
the local and state levels or beyond. Make appropriate referrals for
employment and other disability-related counseling and services. Consult
with program attorney to determine appropriate interpretation of law or
regulation and appropriate action to assist in resolution of concerns.
Refer to program attorney for consideration of representation in
judicial proceedings. Maintain confidential files documenting all
actions taken and follow up thoroughly until resolution of problem.
Provide information on current benefits issues to target groups by
making presentations in the community. Provide information for
newsletters and local newspapers; edit and develop appropriate news
releases. Plan and Implement Systems and Strategies for Service
Improvement Develop activities which will expand and enhance Benefit
Specialist services. Develop public relations effort to make people
aware of service. Provide consumers with training and technical
assistance in developing self-advocacy skills. Evaluate service
effectiveness and make appropriate changes. Identify concerns and
problems of individuals with disabilities and related system level
issues. Present that information to appropriate organizations.
Recordkeeping Complete all reporting requirements to the State of
Wisconsin and Disability Rights Wisconsin on the level and extent of
Disability Benefit Specialist services. Training Study and keep current
on changes to public entitlement programs and new legal issues of
concern to adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Attend
and successfully complete training provided by the Department of Health
Services. When possible, attend training recommended and approved by the
ADRC Director. Coordination Coordinate with agencies such as the Social
Security Administration, District Attorney\'s Office, Health and Human
Services, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living
Centers and other service providers, and relevant local/state offices.
Refer clients to other community services as appropriate.
Advocate/network with local bar association for pro bono services.
\*\*\*\*\* OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with Social
Security, Medicare, Medical Assistance, SSI or as paralegal helpful.
Experience in program planning and development necessary. Possession of
a valid driver\'s license and access to an insured vehicle for
work-related travel. \*\*\*\*\* APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply In
Person: Portage County Human Resources 1462 Strongs Ave. Stevens Point,
WI 54481 Apply Online: www.co.portage.wi.gov Other: You may also call
715-346-1327 to have an application mailed to you.