Information & Assistance Specialist

Washburn, County of•Shell Lake - Government Services Building, WI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to provide Washburn County residents with information, linkage to resources, and assistance with access to services for the elderly, adults with physical or developmental disabilities and family caregivers. The work is performed under the direction and supervision of the ADRC Director. STARTING WAGE AT $27.60 PER HOUR, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS.

Requirements

Ability to relate well with disabled persons.
Knowledge of physical, psychological, social and economic needs of persons (age 18–59) with physical and/or developmental disabilities, or mental illness, the elderly, and caregivers.
Ability to research, investigate problems and provide needed documentation – good counseling and interviewing skills, with the ability to assess and reframe as the conversation progresses.
Good verbal and writing skills including ability to speak in front of large groups of people.
Ability to keep and maintain accurate records. Monthly reporting is required.
Knowledge of governmental income maintenance programs, health insurance, Medicare billing and consumer rights; i.e. medical assistance, social security, SSI, Medicare, private health and disability insurance, prescription drug assistance, and legal issues.
Ability to be able to deal effectively with governmental bureaucracies, the legal system, and the general public.
Ability to read, interpret and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits.
Thorough knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment and of business arithmetic and English.
Extensive knowledge of computer systems, data entry and word processing by demonstrating working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs.
Ability to follow complex oral and written directions with higher than average accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens and officials.
Ability to maintain complex clerical records and prepare reports from such records.
Ability to make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and establish procedures.
Ability to type 45 wpm.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and the ability to travel for community events and to make home visits.
Able to attend regional and statewide trainings requiring travel and some overnight stays.
A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or a license to practice as a registered nurse in Wisconsin pursuant to s. 441.06, and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time experience in a health or human service field, working with one or more of the client populations served by the ADRC.
Qualifying work experience may be paid or unpaid, including internships, field placements, and volunteer work.
Must become certified by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) within one year of hire.
Options Counseling – must obtain certification for administering function screens.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and access to insured and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

In the event that a candidate lacks the degree or experience described above, approval can be requested from DHS. Requests for exception to the education or experience requirements must be submitted to, and approved by DHS prior to the ADRC making a job offer.

Responsibilities

Provide information about services, program, resources (public and private) that can help elderly and disabled persons experience daily life with dignity and security, maximizing their opportunities for self-sufficiency and choice.
Provide counseling on long-term care options, taking into account personal goals, strengths and preferences.
Assist customers in connecting with appropriate resources and services to meet their needs.
Follow-up as needed to determine outcomes and to offer additional assistance as necessary.
Determine functional and financial eligibility for long-term support programs.
Support persons facing a crisis by connecting them to emergency services and/or by providing short-term care coordination until the situation stabilizes. This includes referrals for elder abuse and adult protective services.
Provide outreach and information to young persons with disabilities (and their family caregivers) as they transition into the adult long-term care system.
Link at-risk individuals with prevention and early intervention services provided by public health and other service providers.
Collect and record demographic information about customers and actions taken using the ADRC database and reporting system.
Participate in the on-going marketing and outreach of the ADRC.
Maintains client confidentiality and confidentiality of client information.
Demonstrates professional, courteous customer service to clients and other staff, consistent with County Core Values.