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Disability/Elder Benefit Specialist (HHS)

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Disability/Elder Benefit Specialist (HHS)

Salary

$27.67 - $36.37 Hourly

Location

Elkhorn, WI

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2025-00073

Department

Health & Human Services

Division

Aging & Disability Resource Center

Opening Date

07/25/2025

Closing Date

8/8/2025 5:00 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 years with physical or developmental disabilities, mental illness or substance use disorders and youth who are transitioning into the adult service system or individuals age 60 and older, providing information about and/or assistance in, obtaining or retaining public and private benefits, as well as coordinating outreach and education in the community.

SCHEDULE

Division: ADRC

Days: Monday - Friday

Work Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Hours Per Shift: 8

Shifts Per Pay Period: 10

Position FTE: 1.00

Applications are being accepted from current County employees as well as members of the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Determine consumer options and eligibility, assist with benefit applications and problem solve issues within the scope of program guidelines.

Provide case management services for assigned caseload, including face-to-face contact, in home or community

Provide information on consumer rights, complaints, grievances and appeals processes and assistance in preparing and filing complaints, grievances and appeals at the local, state and federal levels.

Represent adults with disabilities (Disability Benefit Specialist) or older adults (Elder Benefit Specialist) as needed in administrative hearings as well as in other formal or informal grievance steps.

Refer individuals to program attorneys for consideration of direct legal representation in administrative and judicial proceedings.

Read, interpret, and apply regulations regarding benefits; counsel on health insurance plans and coverage options, and refer to other agencies and services when appropriate.

Maintain knowledge of complex state and federal laws and regulations regarding benefit, offerings, programs, and services, including program changes and interrelationships

Consult, coach and collaborate with team member/families/individual/providers/HHS staff.

Collaborate with other programs/individuals across department to ensure coordination of care.

Facilitate consumer access to service. Coordinate and monitor services on a timely basis.

Participate in initial and ongoing trainings to update knowledge and skills to maintain standards and ensure certification/personal license

Ensure compliance with program standards and maintain necessary documentation as required by Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, Department of Health Services and state/federal statutes.

Incorporate current best practice models into daily service provisions work with individuals/families.

Provide public education and/or training on benefit related topics and issues affecting the rights and benefits of individuals with disabilities (Disability Benefit Specialist) or older adults (Elder Benefit Specialist).

Develop and present informational materials for the media, organizations, and the public.

Provide leadership and coordination of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program in Walworth County (Elder Benefit Specialist).

Participate in Aging and Disability Resource Center Division functions related to the general operation including trainings, supervision, progress meetings for consumers, division/program staff meetings, supervision, resource development, marketing and outreach to the general public.

Serve on related work groups, projects, committees and/or community projects, as assigned.

Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree, preferably in a health or human services related field and at least one year of relevant prior experience OR Department of Health Services approval. Proven experience in ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals as well as ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care principles is essential.

Interactions and Communications

Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid driver's license.

Proof of minimum auto liability insurance coverage.

Must be able to provide a reliable personal vehicle to be used for business-related travel as needed.

Decision Making

This position has authority to make decisions that are consistent with policies and precedents; supervision and managerial direction is available as requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or the work unit within the department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision-making process.

Thinking and Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges in this position tend to be diverse, but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.

Tools & Equipment Used

Telephone Copy Machine

Calculator Personal Computer/Printer

FAX Machine Electronic Mobile Devices

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, unclean homes, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee is expected to travel to consumer homes and/or other agencies/locations as part of their normal work duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Selection Process

TO INCLUDE:

Formal Walworth County Electronic Application

Education & Experience Review

Verification of Driver's License

Oral Department Interview

Reference Check

Background Check

Post Offer Physical Exam

Drug Screen

Other job related tests may be required.

WALWORTH COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY

E - Human Service Professional Employees

BARGAINING UNIT: Human Service Professional Employees Hired on or after January 1, 2012

DATE: January 1, 2019

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: All employees of Walworth County are at-will employees.

BASIS OF PAYMENT: You are paid for actual hours worked plus pay for any accrued benefit time for which you are eligible. You are eligible for overtime or compensatory time in accordance with provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

SCHEDULED TIME OFF: Accrued based on straight-time hours paid each pay period. All accrued scheduled time off hours are available for use, subject to approval of your supervisor. As a full-time employee you earn scheduled time off equivalent to the following:

10 days per year after 1 year of Walworth County Service

15 days per year after 5 years of Walworth County Service

20 days per year after 15 years of Walworth County Service

*certain positions may be considered for additional Scheduled Time Off (STO) based on continuous related experience per Ord. Sec. 15-515 (e)

PERSONAL TIME OFF: Employees will receive 64 hours of personal time off as a lump sum at the beginning of each year (pro-rated for pt and newly-hired employees). At the end of each calendar year, an employee may request to move remaining personal time off hours to the extended sick leave bank. If no request is made, any remaining hours shall be paid out on the employee's last pay date of the calendar year.

EXTENDED SICK LEAVE BANK: Used for time off of work for more serious health conditions that require three or more consecutive days off or when on an approved leave of absence.

HOLIDAYS: Ten paid holidays each year. A p-t employee would receive pro-rated holiday pay based on positions budgeted FTE.

INSURANCE: Employees hired into a .75 FTE or higher position are eligible for Health, Dental, Life, Vision, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability insurance benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of service provided you complete enrollment forms within 30 days of hire. Employees hired into a .50 FTE or higher position are eligible for all benefits listed below except Health insurance. Employees hired into a .49 FTE or less position are eligible to participate in Short-Term Disability only.

Health Insurance: You can choose Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 is a standard co-pay plan. Tier 2 is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The County will contribute an amount approved by the County Board, payable as a lump sum to your HSA for Tier 2. You may also elect to contribute to your HSA up to the IRS maximum. You may elect either family or single coverage. The monthly premium will be split between the County and the employee.

Dental Insurance: You may elect either family or single coverage. The county shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for a full-time and 50% (single or family) of the premium for a part-time employee enrolled in dental insurance.

Life Insurance: The County provides you with term life insurance in an amount equal to $25,000. You have the option of purchasing additional coverage for yourself, spouse and/or dependent children.

Short-Term Disability Insurance: The County provides you with Short-Term Disability Insurance with premiums paid by the employer.

LTD Insurance: The County provides you with Long Term Disability Insurance. The monthly premium is 0.83% of your insured monthly wages. The County shall pay 67% of the premium & the employee shall pay 33% of the premium.

Vision Insurance: You may elect to participate in Vision insurance. The employee electing coverage shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for vision insurance.

WISCONSIN RETIREMENT: You are covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System if you are expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours per year for a period of one year or more. The WRS provides you with separation, disability or retirement benefits upon termination. The payment is split between the county and employee, as prescribed by state law. Employees expected to work less than 1200 hours per year will not receive this benefit.

TAX-SHELTERED BENEFITS: You may elect to participate in the following tax-sheltered benefits:

Deferred Compensation (S457 plan)

Medical Spending Account (S125 plan)

Dependent Care Plan (S125 plan)

Health Savings Account (S223 plan)

WORKERS COMPENSATION: You are covered by Workers Compensation for any illness or injury arising out of your employment. Medical expenses and compensation for lost time are paid from the workers' compensation plan. In addition, the County will supplement the workers' compensation lost-time payment for up to 1 year, making you whole on a "net-check" basis.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: You are required to participate in direct deposit of your paycheck to a banking institution of your choice.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: You and your family are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program for help in addressing confidential family and financial matters. EAP services are provided through Curalinc. Please call 888-881-5462 for help.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: You will receive pay for up to 3 days for the purpose of bereavement over the death of your spouse, child, step-child, parent, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, or other member of the immediate household (excluding renters).

You will receive up to 1 day of pay for the death of your brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.

JURY DUTY: Your regular wages will be made-whole for any time you are required to serve on jury duty.

MILITARY LEAVE: Your regular wages will be made-whole for up to two weeks for you to meet your annual two-week reserve duty obligation. Extended military leaves are provided in accordance with state and federal laws.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE: You are required to request a leave of absence in writing and a minimum of 15 calendar days prior to your expected absence. All leaves are subject to approval of the Human Resources Department and are at the discretion of the County's representative, except as otherwise required by law. Under emergency situations, the leave papers must be submitted within 5 days after the absence begins.

Periods of absence less than 5 days may be approved by your department head.

Note: This Summary provides only a brief outline of your benefits. All benefit terms and conditions are subject to the specific provisions of plan documents, policies, and/or legal rules and regulations. These benefits are subject to change from time to time by action of the County Board and/or Human Resources Committee.

01

Do you have a valid driver's license?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please indicate below your highest level of education completed.

+ No High School Diploma/GED

+ High School Diploma/GED

+ Some College/Tech School

+ Associate's Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree

+ Doctoral Degree

03

Please indicate what area your degree is in.

04

Briefly detail your relevant experience, including number of years.

Required Question

Employer

Walworth County

Address

Phone

262-741-7950

Website

http://www.co.walworth.wi.us

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