Economic Support Specialist

Marathon County Public Library; United States; Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Marathon County is seeking a full-time paraprofessional to screen and interview applicants for financial and economic assistance programs. 75%–90% of interactions are over the phone in a virtual call center; training is in-person for 4 months to 1 year, with potential for remote work after training.

Responsibilities include data entry, eligibility review, and coordination with agencies. Required is an Associate's Degree in Human Services or two years related experience; excellent

Qualifications

• Associate degree in human services preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience interviewing the public to gather information and determine eligibility.
• Ability to learn and apply complex criteria and standards for varied programs.

Responsibilities

• Interview program applicants and assist customers in completing applications.
• Review eligibility for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, and other programs.
• Enter data into computer systems and verify accuracy of information.
• Maintain electronic case files and track progress toward deadlines.
• Refer clients to other department units or community services as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Trauma-informed approach

Data entry

Interpersonal skills

Independent worker

Education

Associate's Degree in Human Services

High school diploma with 2 years related experience

Tools

CARES system

Computer/software literacy

Job description

Job Posting End Date: 09-04-2026 Worker Sub-Type: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Position Summary: Full-time, paraprofessional position will screen and interview applicants for various financial and economic assistance programs and obtain necessary information for assessing program eligibility. Considerable contact with customers, agency staff, and other community agencies is required. 75% to 90% of these interactions are completed over the phone in a virtual call center environment. Required in person training period of 4 months to 1 year. Work from home could be available after the training period and all job areas are able to be performed independently and consistently.

To learn more about the position, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/TgwRN49PWpQ

As an employee of the Department of Social Services and Marathon County, you will play a crucial role in managing and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. This position requires a high level of impartiality, integrity, neutrality, and confidentiality.

Examples of Work Performed:

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Interviews program applicants and assists customers in completing applications, review process for economic assistance programs including but not limited to FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, Child Care, Caretaker Supplement; verifies accuracy of eligibility factors, and determines eligibility and priority. 75 to 90% of these tasks are completed over the phone but may also be in person, or by mail or online.

Provides information regarding programs and required application process. Takes information obtained from applicants and enters appropriate data into computer; reviews computer screens for accuracy of data and benefits; reviews cross match screen and supporting documentation to verify client information. Maintains accurate and current electronic case file information by updating case records with financial information and other data relative to the progress of each case, reviews eligibility within established deadlines. Accurately codes case work for State imaging system. Interacts with medical personnel, lawyers, landlords, banks, insurance companies, and other government and community agencies. Refers appropriate clients to other department units such as child welfare, child support, or fraud investigation; refers clients to outside community services as necessary, such as the Aging & Disability Resource Center-CW, Red Cross, Community Action Program, etc. May attend appeals held with administrative law judge regarding denials or other negative case actions; prepares agency documentation. Attends scheduled staff meetings and training sessions to obtain updated information on policies and regulations applicable to varied financial and economic relief programs. Accesses Internet/Intranet resources, on-line training, and verification documentation. Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals. Maintains regular and predictable attendance; works extra hours as required. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Knowledge of other community services provided by private, local, county, state, and federal agencies. Knowledge of the role of social service agencies in the community. Ability to learn, reference and utilize complex criteria and standards applicable to varied financial and economic support programs. Ability to understand and follow written and oral directions. Skill in listening, observing, gathering facts and asking follow up questions, recording information accurately and objectively. Ability to establish effective working relationships with customers and respond appropriately to their needs. Ability to work with customers and other individuals in a trauma informed manner. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in accordance with established procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, face to face and on the phone. Skill in utilizing a computer using a variety of software and the Internet. Ability to understand the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future. Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

Qualifications:

An Associate’s Degree in Human Services preferred; OR a high school diploma and two years related work experience in a social services/human services or public social services agency that preferably involves the CARES computer system; OR two years related work experience interviewing the public to gather information and determine eligibility, such as a bank loan officer or an insurance claims or employment representative. Other combinations of education and work experience that provide equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may also be considered.

Compensation:

Starting hourly rate: $24.13 + Marathon County benefits

Physical Requirements:

Low Physical Requirements - Job involves minimal physical exertion or movement. This job typically requires prolonged sitting, limited walking, or minor lifting. All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

Selection Procedure:

The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone [phone] to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law

Marathon County was officially established in 1850 and is the largest of Wisconsin’s 72 counties today. Centrally located, Marathon County is easy to find, but with 1,584 square miles of natural beauty set in the Wisconsin River Valley, it is hard to leave. Marathon County offers a combination of big city amenities with the look and feel of the great north-woods, surrounded by hills, lakes, and rivers; complete with small town hospitality. Our community takes pride in its natural beauty, abundant recreation opportunities, quality education, healthcare, diversity, industry, and overall quality of life. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, biking, swimming, hiking, cross country or downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, camping, or anything in between, Marathon County is the place to be! In fact, Wausau and Central Wisconsin was voted as The BEST Place in Wisconsin for Outdoor Activities by the readers of Wisconsin Trails magazine. In addition to four seasons of recreation, Marathon County also has a thriving arts community, events and festivals, an active nightlife scene, diverse dining options, and a convenient regional airport. Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status

Please contact us at 715-261-1457 OR 715-261-1451.