Representative Payee Specialist

Drmich; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) is seeking a full-time Representative Payee Specialist in our Lansing office. You will conduct SSA payee reviews, interview payees and guardians, and ensure funds are managed properly while protecting beneficiary rights.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to travel extensively within Michigan. A Level V public trust clearance is required and telework may be possible per policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service area or business/accounting or relevant experience.
• Minimum of two years investigation experience with persons with disabilities.
• Strong oral and written communication and creative problem‑solving ability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct SSA representative payee reviews and interviews.
• Review financial documentation to ensure payees meet responsibilities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing reviews with deficiencies and referrals.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect personal identifying information.
• Travel extensively within the state and participate in outreach as needed.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Analytical problem-solving

Travel willingness

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or business/accounting

Job description

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) has an immediate opening for a full-time (37.5 hours a week) Representative Payee Specialist located in our Lansing office. The Social Security Representative Payee Program at DRM is charged with conducting reviews to verify that the representative payee is using the benefits on behalf of the beneficiary and is carrying out the representative payee responsibilities and duties correctly in response to allegations or concerns about the performance or the suitability of representative payees.

Must possess a bachelor’s degree in a human service area or business/accounting; or relevant experience in business/accounting, human services, and disability rights. A minimum of two years previous investigation experience with demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities. Well-developed oral and written communication skills are necessary along with an exceptionally creative problem-solving ability.

• Extensive in state travel is required including overnight trips.
• Ability to successfully obtain a Level V moderate risk public trust government clearance by the National Background Investigation Service and submission of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is required for this position.

DRM is the agency designated by the Governor of the State of Michigan to protect and advocate for the legal rights of individuals with disabilities. DRM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, creed, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct reviews of individuals and organizations appointed as Representative Payees by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Interview representative payees, beneficiaries, and when applicable, legal guardians and third parties.
• Review and analyze financial documentation looking to ensure the representative payee:
  • Manages funds so the beneficiary(ies) have no unmet current needs;
  • Accounts for all funds received and spent;
  • Conserves any unspent funds in an appropriate manner; and
  • Complies with representative payee accounting and reporting responsibilities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the representative payee review using approved SSA forms, citing deficiencies, notifications, issues, and referrals.
• Review housing facilities for possible health and safety violations. Observe for possible abuse, neglect or licensing violations and refer to appropriate DRM team or other entities.
• Develop corrective action plans to assist representative payees in conforming to requirements specified by the Social Security Administration Commissioner.
• Complete required documentation according to SSA grant award and Business Process Document.
• Maintain the security and safety of personal identifying information (PII) of all individuals involved in representative payee reviews.
• Ensure representative payees fully understand their duties and responsibilities with respect to recordkeeping and reporting.
• Maintain communication with team members and other DRM staff to exchange information, provide technical assistance/consultation, and resolve problems.
• Participate in various outreach activities including public presentations, training, and development of written materials to educate others about DRM and the rights of Social Security beneficiaries.
• Attend staff meetings, training, and in-service programs in office, virtually, or off-site as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal mandates, court rulings, government systems and DRM policies related to the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level V moderate risk public trust government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management is required for this position.
• Bachelor’s degree in human service area or business/accounting; or relevant experience in business/accounting, human services, and disability rights.
• A minimum of two years previous investigation experience; demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple priorities and demands.
• Demonstrated functional knowledge in basic accounting principles and terminology.
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized populations including with individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to respond in a professional, non-judgmental manner to emotionally charged issues and negotiate through confrontational situations and stressful interactions.
• Strong and effective writing, verbal, and negotiating communications skills including the ability to do so in a concise manner, even when doing so regarding complex issues to a variety of people.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel and to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Extensive travel is required including possible overnight trips.
• Valid State of Michigan identification and ability to travel to meetings with clients and similar activities as required. Work involves travel to various locations throughout the State with some exposure to adverse conditions, weather, traffic hazards, and the like. Minimal exposure to injury and/or communicable diseases when using standard precautions.
• Normal office environment with little discomfort or exposure due to unfavorable working conditions.
• Work involves travel to various locations throughout the State, along with some travel outside of the State, with some exposure to adverse weather, traffic hazards, etc.
• Evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required.
• Work may also include telework according to agency policy and supervisor approval.

Salary Range

$59,500-$63,500 (depending on experience)

Monday, November 16, 2026