W2 Emergency Assistance Specialist (Limited Term)

Emergency Assistance (EA) is one of Wisconsin’s Temporary Aid to Needy Families funded programs. EA assists eligible families who are experiencing an emergency due to fire, flood, or natural disaster, impending homelessness, homelessness, or energy crisis. The Emergency Assistance (EA) Specialist processes applications for this assistance. EA is administered by private Wisconsin Works agencies under contract to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Key Roles:

A. Review EA applications for completeness. Complete any missing information with information provided by the applicant. Review assurance statements with the applicant.

B. Evaluate the immediate and long-term needs of the applicant, provide resources and make appropriate referrals to other programs and agencies which can also assist with customer needs.

C. Document and provide narrative comments for every interaction with applicants/participants including items used to verify eligibility and payment using current case management system (CARES Worker Web and Wisconsin Work Program).

D. Verify eligibility criteria within 5 working days of receipt of application. Verification consists of a reliable report from an independent source or the agency’s direct observation.

E. Determine and document financial and non-financial eligibility.

F. Determine eligibility following the administration rules set out in the DCF Emergency Payment Manual.

G. Use designated methods to inform the customers their applications have either been approved or denied.

H. Monitor applications granted payment delay exceptions while they seek housing, and maintain contact with those customers.

I. Determine EA payment and submit voucher to central finance office for payment to the customer.

J. Contact Landlords and utilities to verify they will accept the EA payment and forestall eviction/disconnection.

K. Determine where to send the EA payment.

L. Complete paperwork for EA payment within 5 working days after the date of receipt of completed application.

M. Assist in obtaining payment from other funding sources

N. Enter all approved and denied EA applications using the WWP case management system.

O. Scan and store documents and verifications in the designated Electronic Case File.

P. Review and perform quality assurance on EA applications prepared by other staff for accuracy prior to approval.

Q. Cross-train to cover other staff positions as needed. This includes completing DCF New Worker Training for Financial and Employment Planners.

QUALIFICATIONS: All EA Specialists must be trained in accordance with state law and administrative rules. Basic skill sets required include: Strong Verbal and written communication, active listening, conflict resolution, ability to be non-judgmental, time management, adaptability, sensitivity, problem solving, crises response, interviewing skills, discussion facilitation and customer service. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.

EDUCATION: Associates Degree in Human Services, Psychology or related field; or 2-3 years relevant experience working in the human services field.

This is a limited term position through December 31, 2026.

WRI is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $29