Information & Assistance Specialist

Salary: $27.60 Hourly

Location : Shell Lake - Government Services Building, WI

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Aging, Disability Resource Center

Opening Date: 06/08/2026

Purpose of Position/General Statement/Distinguishing Features of Position

The purpose of this position is to provide Washburn County residents with information, linkage to resources, and assistance with access to services for the elderly, adults with physical or developmental disabilities and family caregivers. The work is preformed under the direction and supervision of the ADRC Director.

STARTING WAGE AT $27.60 PER HOUR, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS

Primary Duties/Job Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned or required.

Provide information about services, program, resources (public and private) that can help elderly and disabled persons experience daily life with dignity and security, maximizing their opportunities for self-sufficiency and choice.

Provide counseling on long-term care options, taking into account personal goals, strengths and preferences.

Assist customers in connecting with appropriate resources and services to meet their needs. Follow-up as needed to determine outcomes and to offer additional assistance as necessary.

Determine functional and financial eligibility for long-term support programs.

Support persons facing a crisis by connecting them to emergency services and/or by providing short-term care coordination until the situation stabilizes. This includes referrals for elder abuse and adult protective services.

Provide outreach and information to young persons with disabilities (and their family caregivers) as they transition into the adult long-term care system.

Link at-risk individuals with prevention and early intervention services provided by public health and other service providers.

Collect and record demographic information about customers and actions taken using the ADRC database and reporting system.

Participate in the on-going marketing and outreach of the ADRC.

Maintains client confidentiality and confidentiality of client information.

Demonstrates professional, courteous customer service to clients and other staff, consistent with County Core Values.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Training

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to relate well with disabled persons.

Knowledge of physical, psychological, social and economic needs of persons (age 18-59) with physical and/or developmental disabilities, or mental illness, the elderly, and caregivers.

Ability to research, investigate problems and provide needed documentation - good counseling and interviewing skills, with the ability to assess and reframe as the conversation progresses.

Good verbal and writing skills including ability to speak in front of large groups of people.

Ability to keep and maintain accurate records. Monthly reporting is required.

Knowledge of governmental income maintenance programs, health insurance, Medicare billing and consumer rights; i.e. medical assistance, social security, SSI, Medicare, private health and disability insurance, prescription drug assistance, and legal issues.

Ability to be able to deal effectively with governmental bureaucracies, the legal system, and the general public.

Ability to read, interpret and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits.

Thorough knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment and of business arithmetic and English.

Extensive knowledge of computer systems, data entry and word processing by demonstrating working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Ability to follow complex oral and written directions with higher than average accuracy.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens and officials.

Ability to maintain complex clerical records and prepare reports from such records.

Ability to make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and establish procedures.

Ability to type 45 wpm.

Valid Wisconsin driver's license and the ability to travel for community events and to make home visits.

Able to attend regional and statewide trainings requiring travel and some overnight stays.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIRED:

A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or a license to practice as a registered nurse in Wisconsin pursuant to s. 441.06, and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time experience in a health or human service field, working with one or more of the client populations served by the ADRC. Qualifying work experience may be paid or unpaid, including internships, field placements, and volunteer work. In the event that a candidate lacks the degree or experience described above, approval can be requested from DHS. Requests for exception to the education or experience requirements must be submitted to, and approved by DHS prior to the ADRC making a job offer.

Must become certified by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) within one year of hire.

Options Counseling - must obtain certification for administering function screens.

Must possess a valid driver's license and access to insured and reliable transportation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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 frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Telephone systems; mainframe computer terminal; personal computer including word processing software; copy machine; postage machine; fax machine; calculator.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those 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.

The employee normally works in a pleasant office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

This position description has been prepared to assist in defining job responsibilities, physical demands, working conditions and skills needed. It is not intended as a complete list of job duties, responsibilities and/or essential functions. This description is not intended to limit or modify the right of the supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The County retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to, or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The duties are subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits for full-time employees (30+ hours per week):

Wisconsin Retirement - Employer match w/ 5 years of service

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Income Continuation Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Sick leave

Vacation pay

Holiday pay

Post-Employment Health Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Achievement ProgramPart-time employees who work an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a year, may receive some of the above benefits on a pro-rated basis.