Economic Support Specialist

Status: Full Time, Non-ExemptStarting Wage Range: $24.22/hr. - $26.66/hr.Position Open Until Filled - Application Review Date: April 10, 2025Please submit a Cover Letter & Resume with the application **The link below explains more about what this job entails: https://wchsa.org/economic-support-staff Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. *Teleworking may be optional upon completion of orientation/training, Fantastic Team Atmosphere *

Dodge County offers a generous benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - available for use after 30 days of employment
• 10 observed paid holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - with employer contributions - HRA
• Life insurance, Long-term disability and Flex spending
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - an exceptional pension plan with employer match (upon vesting) and lifetime retirement payment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Determines and reviews eligibility for Foodshare, Medicaid, Childcare, and other public assistance programs. Ensures all data is entered into electronic data systems accurately and timely. Answers questions about assistance programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, fair hearings, grievance process, etc.
2. Conducts interviews to obtain and evaluate financial and non-financial information in order to determine program eligibility.
3. Interprets and applies established policies, regulations, and processes as standard practice in the accurate determination of eligibility and issuance of benefits within the specified time frames set by County, Consortium, State, and Federal regulations.
4. Explains regulations, rules, and policies to consumers, and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation.
5. Serves as an agent for the virtual and regional call center; responds to general and case-specific inquiries while maintaining a comprehensive call flow.
6. Assesses individuals and families to makes referrals to other units within the agency as well as to outside agencies as appropriate.
7. Provides information and referral to maximize resources of consumers. Electronically documents all service contacts and case actions.
8. Utilizes available data systems, reviewing and updating information on a regular, timely basis. Complete CARES-generated data exchanges per policy. Checks client data files to ensure accuracy of information.
9. Provides technical assistance to other agency employees.
10. Responds to quality control communication within specific time frames.
11. Resolves discrepancies through investigations and cross matches/data bases; prepares Fraud and Program Integrity referrals; participates in Fair Hearings and Court proceedings.
12. Maintains all files, records, and documentation as required by State and Federal guidelines.
13. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

• Ability to utilize CARES Worker Web (CWW), Forward Health inter Change portal, Host-On-Demand (HOD), KIDS, phone and call enter software, and other software and systems.
• Knowledge of public assistance program policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques to elicit and probe for personal, financial, medical, or other sensitive information, including case file/computer records management.
• Knowledge of the County and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
• Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department-specific documents.
• Ability to adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.
• May require communicating with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or violent, posing threatening conditions.

Dodge County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

High School (required)

Call Center and/or phone experience. (preferred)
Must successfully pass caregiver and criminal background check. (required)
Must complete Income Maintenance New Worker Training within six (6) months from date of hire. (required)
2 years: Experience in an office setting, with direct customer experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience which provides necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. (required)