Economic Support Specialist

SALARY RANGE $22.84 - $24.18 Starting WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILSAs a function of the Waupaca County Department of Human Services, the Economic Support Specialist conducts interactive interviews with applicants and recipients for eligibility determination of public assistance programs. In addition, this position manages calls in the consortium Call Center, conducts interviews, and makes changes to cases, answers questions, and processes documents. The Economic Support Specialist will work with recipients both in person and over the telephone as a function of the Call Center This position works under the direct supervision of the Economic Support Manager with general guidance provided by Lead Economic Support Specialist(s).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs a variety of case processing functions and activities as needed for various programs.

Provides courteous customer service; utilizing a Trauma Informed approach.

Explains programs and answers questions for clients on various programs, explains client’s rights and responsibilities, including reporting requirements. Assists clients, if requested, in completing required forms and securing necessary documents. May refer clients to other agencies or services and assists these agencies in serving the clients needs.

Conducts interactive interviews for eligibility determination and/or redetermination in the statewide computer systems and enters appropriate data to initiate, maintain, and terminate eligibility for benefits and/or programs in person or by phone.

Secures, records, and verifies all collateral data for accuracy and completeness. Confirms initial benefits, ongoing benefits and program denials.

Identifies and refers situations in need of further verification, which are error prone or fraudulent.

Interacts with others such as medical personnel, attorneys, landlords, banks, insurance companies, and other government and community agencies to verify information for issuance of benefits.

Calculates auxiliary payments or initiates recovery of over payments, and sends appropriate notices, implements sanctions of benefits for failure to comply with program requirements, informs recipients of changes in procedures or benefits, reviews computer data exchange matches and takes appropriate action when information does not match.

Initiates correspondence to proper parties or agencies in the event of a fair hearing and represents the agency in legal proceedings and fair hearings.

Assists in ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all applicants for and recipients of programs and services offered and provided by the Division.

Upgrades skills and knowledge through training and staff meetings as required and approved by the Manager.

Maintains agency confidentiality.

PERIPHERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides back up for the other ESS Specialists during absences.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Economic Support Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent with higher education in a related field preferred.
** New ESS Specialists must complete new worker training during the first six months in the position.

EXPERIENCE:

Two years experience in an administrative setting and interacting with the public.

NECESSARY

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of interviewing techniques, conflict resolution, problem solving, and case management practices.

Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed care and the impact of adversities.

Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; working knowledge of computers.

Ability to meet program/system deadlines for timely benefit issuance.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONBENEFITSWaupaca County's group insurance plan and other benefit policies comprise a package that is competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This summary is intended to give only a brief overview or definitive source of information.

Positions that have a schedule of sixty or more hours in a two week pay period qualify for the following benefits: