Economic Support Specialist

Responsible for assessing needs and determining eligibility for federal and state public assistance programs for eight Wisconsin Counties including referrals to other agencies and organizations based on client needs.

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.

• Staffs Capital Consortium Call Center: Takes calls from applicants, recipients and advocates regarding public assistance benefits and accurately documents actions taken.
• Processes cases: establishes new cases and reviews open cases ensuring compliance with federal and state policies and procedures. Processes document and verbal verifications. Utilizes data exchanges to determine program eligibility and documents actions taken.
• Assist agency staff and visitors with questions, conduct in person interviews for benefits, set up appointments, issue temporary vault cards, scan documents to case files for timely processing and any other duties as assigned.
• Consults and refers clients to other agencies for possible assistance.
• Performs on-going case maintenance: processes changes reported by clients and system generated alerts and discrepancies timely and accurately to ensure correct benefits. Documents all actions taken.
• Performs fraud identification and prevention. Conducts front-end verification activities to prevent public assistance fraud. Investigates fraud reports, and if substantiated, identifies and performs overpayment duties. May include working with the District Attorney when appropriate for the prosecution of fraud.
• Perform data entry accurately and efficiently. Navigates and effectively utilizes other agency/provider computer systems.
• Maintains confidentiality of client information and protected health information as required by State and Federal regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Act.
• Maintains current knowledge of program requirements, policies, procedures, and best practices and participates in continuing education opportunities.
• Participates in committees, training and meetings including computer system training.
• Maintains current knowledge of program requirements and best practices and participates in continuing education opportunities.
• Represent Richland County Health and Human Services to the community at large through professional interaction, public speaking, media presentations, and participation in community advisory groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

• High School Diploma or equivalent with knowledge of public benefits, entitlements, insurance rules and consumer issues; or any combination of education, training and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Maintain annual training.