ADRC - Benefit Specialist

Brown County, WI; Green Bay (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County in Green Bay, WI is seeking a Benefit Specialist to help seniors and adults with disabilities navigate public benefits, health care options, and related resources.

You will advise on eligibility, assist with applications, arrange workshops, and advocate for clients, while maintaining records and collaborating with local agencies to ensure progress and service quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or equivalent.
• Two years' experience in public benefits, benefits counseling or related field.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• AED/CPR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide information, education, advocacy and assistance to seniors or adults with a disability regarding public benefits and health care options.
• Advise and counsel on eligibility rules and application procedures for public benefits; document actions taken.
• Represent individuals in appeals processes and coordinate with legal backup as needed.
• Arrange benefit-related workshops and promote events to inform the community.
• Speak publicly to groups about benefit programs and provide educational materials.
• Develop and update informational materials and maintain current knowledge of programs.
• Maintain accurate records and assist with program reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with ADRC and other county/community agencies as a team member.

Skills

Advocacy

Public speaking

Communication

Research skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internet navigation

Job description

Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County

Green Bay, WI | Full-Time Non-Exempt

At the ADRC of Brown County, we believe every person deserves to be heard, respected and connected to the resources that can help them thrive. As a Benefit Specialist, you’ll do more than explain programs, you’ll listen to people’s stories, help them navigate complex systems, advocate when they need support, and empower them to make informed decisions about their lives.

You’ll be part of a team that puts people first, works together to solve problems, and looks for better ways to serve our community. We value curiosity, compassion, collaboration and the courage to try new things.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides information, education, advocacy and assistance to persons 60 years of age or older or to adults between the ages of 18 and 60 with a disability regarding public benefits, health care options and coverage, consumer concerns and other related areas; coordinates with other county, community and governmental agencies.

Advises and counsels persons and their families regarding eligibility rules and application procedures for public benefits; provides information and suggestions by personal meetings and through phone communications; assesses needs of individuals and records actions taken and contact made to ensure progress is made with each consumer.

Represents persons as an advocate in adverse decisions made by administrative agencies in regard to public benefits; represents persons in any appeals process in the event of a negative action; counsels with supervisory attorneys about issues and concerns; screens calls for legal counseling and lawyer referral service; provides accurate and timely information in accordance with accepted practices and procedures.

Arranges benefit related workshops on topics for the purpose of providing consumers with current and accurate information and resources; arranges facilities for workshop and promotes the function to ensure citizens are aware of the opportunity; meets with attorney or paralegal from region's legal backup in order to review unit's work and ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

Speaks publicly to groups concerning benefit programs or aging/disability issues; develops educational workshops; prepares informational topics for the media; maintains current knowledge and awareness of benefit programs.

Provides information about other community agencies to consumers and makes appropriate referrals; networks with other related agencies and resources for the purpose of establishing effective working relationships and obtaining current information of programs.

Develops and updates distributed materials which serve as tools of information and program promotion; reads related materials in an effort to maintain current knowledge of developing and newly established changes in benefit programs, legislation, policies and procedures.

Has a “Duty to Report” during a community emergency/disaster according to the ADRC Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Participates in the work setting as a team player.

Participates in the planning and goal setting efforts of ADRC.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a Human Services related field and two years’ experience in public benefit, benefits counseling, or related field;or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Previous experience working with older adults and persons with disabilities preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license and a satisfactory vehicle record.

AED/CPR Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of local community agencies and resources which serve older persons and/or persons with a disability and their families.

Ability to understand and practice the confidential nature of the position.

Ability to comprehend legal and regulatory information.

Ability to clearly articulate complex benefits, rules and regulations in terms that are easily understood.

Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office and effectively navigating the Internet.

Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of types of persons both individually and in 4 groups.

Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.

Ability to apply research techniques to collect and analyze information.

Ability to understand and follow administrative structure and appeals processes of the Social Security System, Medicare and other public programs.

Ability to assertively advocate on behalf of ADRC consumers.

Ability to maintain accurate records and program reporting requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lifting 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Extended periods of sitting; intermittent standing, walking and driving.

Using hand(s) for single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls.

Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching and grappling.

Communicating orally in a clear manner.

Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes.

Distinguishing people, objects or injuries at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.