Disability Benefit Specialist

Portage County; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation on day one

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Job summary

Portage County ADRC is seeking a full-time Disability Benefits Specialist to provide information and advocacy for seniors and adults with disabilities. You will help applicants access Medical Assistance, SSI, Social Security, Food Share, and related programs, and maintain confidential records across state and local agencies.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in health or human services and at least one year of relevant experience, plus a valid driver’s license for travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health or human services and at least one year working with adults with disabilities or mental illness.
• Experience with Social Security, Medicare, Medical Assistance, SSI or as paralegal helpful.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and access to an insured vehicle for work travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information on benefit programs and assist applicants in accessing them.
• Counsel and advocate for disability benefits and prepare/ file appeals.
• Maintain confidential files and coordinate with agencies and program attorneys.
• Develop outreach to rural areas and conduct home visits when needed.
• Complete all reporting requirements to the State of Wisconsin and Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Skills

Driver's license

Public benefits knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health or human services

Job description

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ARDC) of Portage County is hiring a full-time Disability Benefits Specialist!

The ADRC's mission is to support seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. If you have a passion to help others, then check this opportunity out!

Pay range starts at $29.57 / hr

What are the primary job duties?

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.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a health or human services related field, and at least one year of experience working with adults with developmental or physical disabilities or mental illness required.
• 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.

Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

• Vacation - available on day one!
• Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 7.2%!
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Life insurance - premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• Long term disability insurance - premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer