Disability Benefit Specialist

Polk County • Balsam Lake, WI

1d

About The Position

The Disability Benefit Specialist provides benefits counseling and advocacy to individuals aged 18 through 59 with developmental or physical disabilities, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders, as well as youth transitioning into the adult long-term care system. The specialist provides information and assistance related to private and government benefits, helps people understand their rights and pursue complaints, grievances, and appeals, and advocates with agencies and service providers. The role also includes referrals, investigations, representation when appropriate, consultation with program attorneys, training, negotiation, documentation of individual and systemic concerns, and community education and outreach.

The position is typically performed in a standard office setting with moderate noise and may involve occasional travel to County facilities, training sites, or community locations. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed to meet business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Gerontology, or a closely related Human Services field.
• Certified or eligible for certification as a Social Worker in Wisconsin within two years of hire.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license, ability to drive, and reliable daily transportation.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, and telephones.
• Ability to interpret documents, including grant applications, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to perform frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintain required vision abilities.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of full-time experience working with individuals with developmental or physical disabilities, mental illness, or elderly populations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of services for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and youth transitioning into adult long-term care.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, current information about private and government benefits and programs identified in the program’s Program Service Document.
• Explain how to access benefits and the responsibilities of program participants.
• Help potential applicants locate and gather financial and non-financial information needed to verify eligibility.
• Provide information about consumer rights, complaints, grievances, and appeals.
• Assist with preparing and filing complaints, grievances, and appeals at local and state levels and beyond.
• Make appropriate referrals for employment and disability-related counseling and services.
• Consult with disability benefit specialist program attorneys about interpreting laws or regulations and resolving concerns.
• Initiate investigations to gather information needed for advocacy.
• Provide representation, when needed and appropriate, in administrative hearings and other formal or informal grievance processes.
• Refer matters to program attorneys for consideration of representation in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Provide consumer and volunteer training and technical assistance to support self-advocacy and family advocacy.
• Negotiate on behalf of individuals with county agencies, managed care organizations, service providers, or the state concerning disputes over long-term care, mental health, and substance abuse services.
• Identify and document individual concerns and related system-level issues and present them to appropriate entities.
• Develop and/or participate in community education and outreach activities.
• Participate in multi-departmental planning or quality improvement projects.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of agency programs to answer general questions, identify appropriate agency contacts, or efficiently refer people to outside sources.
• Maintain professional relationships with staff, peers, and upper management.
• Follow County policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or otherwise related to the position, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time