Economic Support Specialist

Door County Economic Support is part of the Bay Lake Consortium. As an Economic Support Specialist, you will serve as a central point of contact for Door County residents in determining initial and ongoing eligibility for Medical Assistance, BadgerCare Plus, Food Share, Child Care Subsidies, and other state and federal financial assistance programs, such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Duties also include exploration and assessment of alternative forms of assistance available in the community and providing general financial planning and resource information. Regular attendance and punctuality along with being prepared to commence work at designated work locations, on the assigned or scheduled days and hours is expected.  Responsible for providing truthful and accurate written and verbal communications.

Essential Job Functions

1. Interview applicants or participants to determine initial or continued eligibility for Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, Food Share, Child Care, PPACA and other programs and supportive services.  Applications and casework will be completed individually and on a regional Call Center, as part of the Bay Lake Income Maintenance Consortium. 
2. Evaluate personal and financial data obtained from applicants or participants to determine initial or continuing eligibility per state policies and enter detailed data into CARES computer system. Organize data in CARES and other documents per electronic file compliance, for follow-up, review, and evaluation.
3. Assist applicants or participants in efforts toward meeting basic human needs and self-sufficiency, including identifying options and referrals to and collaboration with other community services.
4. Research, federal, state and local polices governing eligibility, legal rights, and responsibilities of applicants and participants. Explain regulations, rights and responsibilities to applicants and participants.
5. Provide necessary information for fair hearings and participate in client grievance procedures, including providing testimony at administrative hearings.
6. Investigate allegations of welfare fraud. Prepare documentation for criminal complaint, attend court proceedings, and testify if required. Refer cases to supervisor and assist Overpayment Specialist to determine overpayments.  
7. Attend all agency and unit meetings and required training activities. 
8. Perform Economic Support intake and client registration functions.
9. Participate in specialty duties related to the Bay Lake Income Maintenance Consortium as assigned, such as staffing the regional Call Information Center.
10. Assist with data gathering, state reporting, and program or project implementation as assigned. 

General Job Functions

1. Partner with other community agencies to coordinate services for individuals and families.
2. Maintain current case documentation of all new applications, reviews, and changes.
3. Regularly meet with the Economic Support Manager for supervision / training purposes.
4. Strictly follow federal and state laws and regulations, county and department policies and procedures in regard to individual medical privacy, other confidentiality protocols, and information systems security.

Training and Experience

1. High School Diploma required. 
2. Two-year or four-year college degree in human services, financial planning or related field preferred. 
3. Two or more years’ experience in social/human services or public service agency performing eligibility determination or case management strongly preferred.  A combination of related education and work experience may also be considered. 
4. Must obtain Economic Support Specialist certification within 6 months of being employed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

1. Knowledge of available community resources, Human Services, Public Health, Child Support, etc.
2. Ability to listen carefully, communicate respectfully and engage in conflict resolution and problem-solving. 
3. Successful public contact / customer service experience.
4. Ability to plan and work independently and organize workload in order to meet deadlines.
5. Ability to explain basic budgeting and personal finance needs to clients. 
6. Ability to utilize the CARES, Microsoft Office and other related computer systems.
7. Ability to recognize and respect the needs and beliefs of individuals, while demonstrating a consistent approach to engaging clients and offering services that support them.  
8. Ability to use tact and courtesy in maintaining an effective working relationship with department employees, county supervisors, county officials, and general public. 
9. Ability to accept supervision, and work collaboratively within the agency and community.
10. Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate, both verbally and in writing.
11. Ability to testify at Fair Hearings and criminal fraud cases as needed.