Economic Support Specialist
: Job Details :

Salary: $21.57 - $24.65 HourlyLocation : WhitehallJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202200174Department: Human ServicesDivision: Economic SupportOpening Date: 12/17/2024Closing Date: ContinuousPurpose of PositionThe purpose of this position is to determine eligibility and provide ongoing case management in a timely and accurate for economic support programs delivered in the eight county Western Regional for Economic Assistance Consortium. The work is performed by an Economic Support Specialist in accordance with applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws and under the supervision of the Economic Support/WREA Supervisor. A majority of the time is spent on the phone conducting interviews, relaying information to program applicants/recipients and inputting data into electronic eligibility system. Essential FunctionsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.Interview applicants to determine eligibility for Medical Assistance, Food Share and Child Care Assistance. Interviews are typically done by phone but occasional in-person. Evaluates information obtained through interviews or submitted electronically, including personal income, expense and tax information. Research, interpret and explain federal, state and local policies governing eligibility, legal rights and responsibilities of economic support applicants and participants. Explain program eligibility, agency policies, benefits, forms and procedures with applicant.Provide Economic Support case management services including answering questions, providing case status updates, processing reported changes, troubleshooting eligibility issues, processing verifications, re-determining eligibility and benefit amounts and making referrals to other departments and services. Assists clients in securing necessary information and completing required forms. Gather, analyze, verify, and process information. Record and enter data in the State automated eligibility system. Obtains and verified third party information needed to determine eligibility.Explains available programs, client rights and responsibilities.Maintain accurate well documented electronic files.Authorizes monetary benefits in child care authorizations, Food Share, fees for service, and capitation rates for both Medical Assistance and Badger Care Plus, and authorizes caretaker supplement on social security income. Responds to financial and non-financial cross-matches and alert from other systems.Verify Wisconsin Quest card information on the Food Stamp EBT system.Communicate with collateral agencies to coordinate benefits.Investigate Front End Verification (FEV) cases and Program Integrity cases.Identify potential fraud and refer to the WREA Fraud staff. Provides testimony at administrative hearings and in court.Monitor computer data exchange system (i.e. State Wage, Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, IRS Matches, etc.) and take corrective action on discrepancies.Refers applicants and recipients to other community resources (food pantry, Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, transportation assistance, etc.) as appropriate.Identify risk factors such as AODA domestic abuse, developmental disabilities or suspected child abuse and report to appropriate parties for follow-up.Make home visits to homebound clients.Protect client confidentiality and must follow HIPAA protocol.Maintain knowledge of economic support policies, procedures and benefit program rules and regulations.Participate in on-going training regarding changes in the federal and state regulations and technical advancements. Attend workshops, seminars, conferences and in-services.May be required to work nights, weekends or during community emergencies and/or disasters. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAbility to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiates, measure, assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.Ability to interpret and utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as customer contact sheets, lists, time studies, check registers, customer records, benefit program manuals, computer software operating manuals, policies, state statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.Ability to communicate orally and in writing with customers, Social Service personnel, state and federal social service agencies, medical professionals, child support agency, attorneys, other agencies, and the general public.Ability to gather information and communicate programs/benefits effectively through customer interviews using customer service skills, proficient communication skills, and interviewing skills.Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to use functional reasoning in performing semi-routine functions involving standardized work with some choice of action.Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving a variety of duties which may be subject to frequent change. Training, Experience and Other RequirementsHigh school diploma, Associates Degree, preferably in Human Services, Public/Business Administration, economics or Accounting, two years related office, insurance, human service or economic support eligibility determination experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Possesses excellent computer skills, organization skills, data entry skills, customer service skills and non-judgmental attitude. Must be able to handle a high volume of phone calls in a highly structured call center environment. Must complete online training program in a timely manner and receive an Economic Support Specialist certification. A valid motor vehicle operator's license and/or available means of transportation required.2024 BENEFIT SUMMARYTrempealeau county (Regular Full-time/part-time employees) BENEFITNon-Represented Benefit Package for 2024. A complete packet of benefits information will be provided to the candidate selected for the position. This illustration summarizes the benefits presently offered by Trempealeau County and is not a guarantee of benefits.Benefit TypeWhat you receiveEligibleWho PaysMedical*County participates in the State of Wisconsin offered Health Plan. $500 individual / $1000 family deductible. Routine/Preventative services- plan pays 100%. Emergency Room copay - $60 per visit. Annual Wellness Incentive - $150 gift card for employee & spouse when annual physical/wellness screens complete.First of the month following 30 days of employmentCounty contributes 88%. Employee Contribution for lowest cost plan available within the County is:Single Plan : $98.57/per monthFamily Plan: $241.94/per monthPremiums vary by plan. Other plan networks available.FlexSpending Account(FSA)$500 -Single Health Plan$1000-Family Health PlanCounty contributes either $500/$1000 for each employee enrolling in the county sponsored medical plan.First of the month following 30 days of employmentOption to contribute up to an additional $3,200 for medical and $5000 for dependent care per year. Expenses must be incurred 1/1/24 - 3/15/25 and submitted for reimbursement by 5/31/25.PensionWisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Pension plan provides a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and have reached minimum retirement age (age 55 for most employees). Pre-taxed. Date of Hire(may not be eligible for part-time positions)General EmployeesEmployee contribution: 6.90%County contribution: 6.90%DentalDelta Dental WI Plan: Uniform Dental Benefit (UDB)/Preventative offers basic coverage for routine cleanings, x-rays, fillings (100% no deductible), orthodontics (50% for those 19 and under with $1500 individual max). Supplemental plans (Select or Select Plus) offers coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, oral surgery, surgical extractions and additional orthodontics (regardless of age). Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentCounty contributes 88% of Uniform preventive dental when enrolled in group health insurance.Uniform Preventative Dental stand-alone cost (no enrollment in group health insurance):Single: $32.08 / monthFamily: $80.20 / monthSupplemental plans also available for individual, individual plus children, individual plus spouse and family coverage at an additional cost- employee pays 100%.VisionDelta Vision: Eye exams ($15 copay in-network), $150 for frames $150 for contact lenses and discount on Laser Vision Correction. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Employee: $5.72 / monthIndividual + Spouse: $11.42 / monthIndividual + Children: $12.88 / monthFamily: $20.58 / monthShort-Term DisabilityProvides a financial benefit available up to 60% of your salary during time off work due to illness/injury up to 25 weeks. Benefit begins after 7 day waiting period. If hospitalized or under general anesthesia, benefit begins upon 1st day.First of the month following 90 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Cost varies based on age and hourly rate of pay.Deferred CompensationAvailable plans: WI Deferred Comp (WDC) and Nationwide (NACO). Allows you to invest today for retirement. Federal/State taxes are deferred until your assets are withdrawn.AnytimeEmployee pays 100%Available through payroll deduction (flat rate or percentage).Term Life InsuranceLife insurance coverage for yourself, spouse and children. Plan gives you the availability to choose how much life insurance you want and need. Coverage is portable after employment separation.First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing.Whole Life InsuranceGuaranteed rates for the life of the policy and guaranteed death benefit to be paid to your beneficiaries. As the policy builds cash value, you can achieve your financial goals or borrow against it should you need to. Coverage is portable after employment separation.First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing.Group AccidentLump sum benefit for off the job accidental injuries, pays in addition to other insurances, Low and High plan options available. Wellness benefit up to $150 (low) $400 (high) per year for covered individual. Coverage is portable after employment separation. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Employee Low: $12.26 / monthEmployee High: $18.52 / monthEmployee plus children,Employee plus spouse andFamily rates also available.Group CancerCancer Insurance to help you manage expenses of treatment (including experimental), pays in addition to other insurances. Plan covers cancer and up to 29 specified diseases. Wellness benefit of $100 per year for covered individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after employment separation. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Employee Low: $16.94 / monthEmployee Medium: $24.36 / monthEmployee High: $36.14 / monthEmployee plus children,Employee plus spouse andFamily rates also available.Group Critical IllnessLump sum benefit for critical illness such as heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant, end stage renal failure. Pays in addition to other insurances Benefit amounts $2500 - $20,000 depending on illness. Supplemental benefits also available. Coverage is portable after employment separation. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employmentEmployee pays 100%Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per Employee, Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse andFamily.Vacation*Accrues per pay period per year as follows.First year of service: 12 days1-4 years of service: 15 days5-9 years of service: 18 days10-15 years of service: 20 days16-20 years of service: 24 days21-25 years of service: 26 days26-29 years of service: 28 days30+ years of service: 30 daysAccrual begins Date of Hire - must be here 3 months begin utilizing accrued timePayout Upon Separation100% following 1 year introductory period.Sick Leave*Accrues per pay period up to 12 days per year. Max 960 hours.Accrual begins Date of HirePayout Upon Retirement: 100% max 480 hours.Holidays*New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Two Personal Holidays. Exceptions may be necessary in some County departments.Normally granted Holiday off with pay as listedPayout Upon Separation None.*Exception for certain Sheriff's Office employees for holidays, sick & vacation accrual. Pro-rated benefits for positions less than 40 hours per week. Refer to Human Resources for additional information.01 After reading the Training, Experience and Other Requirements listed in the Job Description, briefly tell us why you are qualified for this position. 02 With your application submission, it is highly encouraged to include two professional letters of reference. Letters can be from present or past professors, supervisors, or colleagues. Required Question