Elder Benefits Specialist – Chippewa County, WI – Chippewa Falls, WI

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties described below are indicative of what the Elder Benefits Specialist might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Elder Benefits Specialist. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be assigned:

Administrative Functions:

• Provide assistance through information, counseling, and referrals related to individual eligibility for, and problems with public benefits and services and to health care financing, insurance, housing and other financial and consumer concerns some of which may be quasi-legal in nature.
• Provide services to address medical entitlements, insurance, non-covered health costs, income support, community-based services, housing and utilities, debt collection practices and financial exploitation. Provide services established in the State-issued “Program Policies and Procedures for the Wisconsin Legal Assistance/Elder Benefit Specialist Program” in the Wisconsin Aging Network manual and the Scope of Services ADRC Contract.
• Provide counsel in areas permitted by law for non-attorneys on issues involving rights, benefits or entitlements.
• Counsel on choices (advantages, risks, and responsibilities) related to services and programs that may address individual needs.
• Interview consumer, perform case intake duties and provide case management.
• Refer and coordinate access to the system of justice by offering advocacy, counsel and representation in matters which require review, waiver, reconsideration and/or hearing before an administrative law judge.
• Under the supervision of the legal assistance provider, represents clients in appeals or disputes, including but not limited to, denials of eligibility or benefits for Medicaid, Medicare (Parts A, B, C and D), Food Share, Energy Assistance, denial of health insurance claims, and problems with Social Security or SSI overpayments.
• Prepare factual evidence and briefs for appeal of denied benefits.
• Case management is under the direction of the supervising attorney.

• Conduct research and investigations, prepare evidence and negotiates settlements within the boundaries of the program to improve the financial well-being of the customer.
• Maintain current and thorough knowledge of public benefits and entitlement services, their rules, regulations and requirements through mandatory participation in conferences, workshops, seminars, regional training and roundtable case discussions organized by the regional legal backup provider.
• Comply with federal and state reporting requirements applicable to the Benefit Specialist Program. Maintain detailed records and generate reports as directed by the Federal, State and County governments, the legal backup provider, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) and the ADRC Manager.
• Provide direct application assistance to clients for obtaining and maintaining all public programs and private health insurance benefits.
• Provide public education and/or training on issues affecting the rights, benefits or entitlements of older persons.
• Initiate advocacy which has consequences of broad significance in preserving, protecting and expanding the rights and benefits of older persons.
• Develop informational material for the media, organizations and the general public including the monthly ADRC Newsletter.
• Coordinate Senior Farmers Market Voucher Program, and the Homestead Tax Credit Program and other agency administered programs that fall within the scope of elder benefits.
• Develop and maintain the ability to problem-solve and to perform duties in an independent manner while exercising good judgment.
• Observe rules of attorney-client confidentiality and maintain non-judgmental attitude.

Customers:

• Persons age 60+ residing in Chippewa County

Team Members:

• Any professional or paraprofessional employee we work with in the serving of consumers.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for the continuation of employment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required and preferably in a Health or Human Services related program.
• Two (2) years’ experience required working with one or more of the client populations served by the ADRC.
• Previous work experience with benefit programs and determining benefit eligibility preferred. Work experience must include direct customer contact.
• Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, consumerism, advocacy, Social Security and/or consumer rights desired.
• Experience with public speaking preferred.
• Familiarity with state and federal ADRC regulations preferred.
• Must have knowledge of and experience with computers.
• A valid driver’s license required.