Elder Benefits Specialist Bilingual

Milwaukee County Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Bilingual Spanish Elder Benefits Specialist (EBS) is responsible for meeting with customers that present language barriers and assist with translation to ensure consumers receive accurate information about public and private benefits as well as that they are provided access to technical assistance to access benefits. This position requires the ideal candidate to read, write, and speak fluent Spanish to interpret complex laws, rules and regulations, assist consumers with applying for various levels of public benefits, understanding their customer rights when applying, assisting consumers with filing complaints, grievance, and appeals processes related to benefits. Further, this position will assist with planning and presenting at outreach events as well as translating outreach and informational materials from English to Spanish as needed.

Requirements

Current resident of the State of Wisconsin
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle, both maintained throughout employment.
Willing and able to travel to client’s homes as necessary.
A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a Human Services or a closely related field.
At least one (1) year of experience working with the aging population.
At least an intermediate experience with all related computer and software (MS Office) applications.
Must have the ability to read, write, and speak Spanish Fluently.
Must attend mandatory Elder Benefits Specialist training with the State of Wisconsin and Senior Law Program Managers.
Must become Ship Certified within 90 days of filing the position.
Final candidates must successfully complete and pass a written sample.
Demonstrated ability to treat all clients with respect and dignity; ability to communicate detailed/complex legal information to clients, gather, analyze, and evaluate information for clients, deliver informational presentations in public group settings, research, analyze and resolve legal problems and train, mentor, and support volunteers.
Ability to attend and successfully complete initial and ongoing training as required, navigate the Internet, and enter data accurately.
Past or present experience respectfully interacting with and advocating for older adults; excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits, and work with supervising attorney for clarification.
APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Nice To Haves

Experience with Social Security, Medicare, Medical Assistance, SSI and other public benefit programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist customers to locate and gather financial and non-financial information needed to apply for public and private benefits and assist in the application process.
Research benefit information and follow-up to ensure that all information is processed correctly.
Provide translation assistance when needed.
Provide timely and accurate information about public and private benefits a customer may be eligible for as well as how to apply for these benefits.
Utilize information found in State and Federal websites including State Health Insurance Program, CARES, Forward Health, and Benefit assistance tools to assist with benefits applications.
Document outreach activities, consumer contacts, and referral outcomes.
Report data on counseling efforts specific to customer served in Peerplace database (report on Midas until sunset) and Excel spreadsheets for all cases assigned.
Document accurately in a clear, concise, and objective manner. Documentation includes demographic and geographical information of the customer.
Provide information and technical assistance to clients about rights, complaints, grievances, and appeals written and verbalized in English and Spanish as applicable.
Attend regularly scheduled meetings with EBS supervisor and supervising attorney from Senior Law to discuss EBS case issues.
Attend ADRC training and meetings.
Attend State EBS trainings and meetings throughout the year.
Provide representation at administrative hearings or other grievance processes, as appropriate and under the guidance of a Senior Law attorney, for individuals who are elderly, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, cognitively impaired, etc.
Assist customers with presumptive disabilities application to access public benefits.
Provide information and offer choices about community services as well as resources for individuals 60 and over.
Travel to and from customer’s homes to assist with the application process.
Perform other duties as assigned.