Disability Benefit Specialist

Disability Benefit Specialist Location Appleton, WI (Old Third Ward area) :

CORE VALUES

Invested in Serving Devoted to positively impacting our communities

Better Together Inspire unity by promoting collaboration, trust and respect

Create Progress Encourage growth through innovation to advance and succeed

Support Through Compassion Prioritize one another through communication, inclusion and transparency to bolster our community

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Human Services Supervisor - ADRC, and under the direction of the legal services provider, the Disability Benefit Specialist provides benefit counseling and advocacy to individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 years with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or a mental illness in order to assure that they receive information about, assistance in, and accessing the public and private benefits for which they are eligible. Hours for this role are Monday - Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Appointments could be outside of the normal business hours.

Want to learn more about Outagamie County? Click on the link to learn more about all we have to offer! Outagamie County, WI - Community Video Tour (elocallink.tv) What's in it for you?

• New competitive pay
• Be a part of the Wisconsin Retirement System
• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits, along with county contribution to the HSA on the High Deductible Plan
• Up to 12 paid holidays
• Paid Sick time accruals
• Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Employee and Family clinic located on-site!
• Mental Health Resources for employees and family members
• Pet Insurance Discount
• Continuing Education
• So much more!

Key Responsibilities

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

• Informs, educates and counsels consumers and their families on available rights, services, entitlements and benefits.
• Provides accurate and current information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefits and programs, and provides technical assistance about how to access such benefits.
• Interprets and maintains a current knowledge in the areas of health care financing, income maintenance, community based services, and prescription drug coverage.
• Assists potential applicants for private and government benefits and programs to locate and gather verifying data, both financial and non-financial.
• Refers consumers to other service providers, private bar for legal representation, employment, and other disability-related counseling and services as necessary.
• Provides information on consumer rights, complaints, grievance and appeal processes.
• Provides advice and assistance in preparing and filing complaints, grievances and appeals at the local and state levels, as well as beyond.
• Provides legal advocacy and representation in matters that require review, waiver, reconsideration, or hearing before administrative agencies.
• Consults regularly with the designated DBS Program Attorney to determine appropriate interpretation of law or regulation and appropriate action to assist in resolution of client issues.
• Compiles required statistical records; assures accurate data entry into mandated computer software.
• Maintains public relations role through public speaking, written press releases, newsletter articles, etc.
• Documents and maintains current consumer activity files for reporting purposes and service outcome effectiveness.
• Completes Medicaid time reporting on a monthly basis.
• Maintains consumer confidentiality.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime/extra hours as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a health or human services related field.
• One to two year's experience working with public benefits, insurance, and/or the legal system. The ability to read, interpret, and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits.

Required or Preferred Skills

• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer with printer, typewriter, calculator, photocopier, telephone system with voice mail, and fax machine.
• Ability to research and investigate problems, and advocate on behalf of consumers.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate decimals and percentages.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret applications information and documents including Medicare, Social Security, Medical Assistance, tax forms, bank statements, insurance payment forms, etc.
• Ability to prepare written documents including press releases, consumer files, statistical reports, etc.
• Ability to use and interpret medical and legal terminology, and knowledge of services and resources for persons with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with service organizations, health care providers, insurance company representatives, the general public, etc. verbally and in writing.
• Ability to listen, communicate and be sensitive to older persons and their needs.
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.

Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting:

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.