Elder Benefit Specialist

Salary: $22.14 - $23.40 Hourly

Location : Rusk County Government Center, WI

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 7003-11

Department: Health & Human Services

Division: Senior Services/ADRC

Opening Date: 11/14/2025

Closing Date: 11/30/2025 11:59 PM Central

Description

This position is responsible for the State Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) Program; to assist persons age 60+ in gaining access to public and private benefits, entitlements and legal rights; to promote and preserve the autonomy, dignity, independence and financial security of older persons; and to provide responsive and courteous service to County residents.

Examples of Duties

Provides assistance through information, counseling, and referrals related to individual eligibility for public benefits and services, health care financing, insurance, housing and other financial and consumer concerns for persons age 60+.

Explains medical entitlements, insurance, non-covered health costs, Economic Support, community-based services, housing and utilities, debt collection practices and financial exploitation.

Consults regularly with the EBS Program attorneys to determine appropriate interpretation of law or regulation and appropriate action to assist customers.

Refers and coordinates judicial access by offering advocacy in matters which require review, waiver, reconsideration and/or hearing before an administrative law judge.

Prepares factual evidence and briefs for appear of denied benefits.

Complies with Federal and State reporting requirements applicable to the Eder Benefit Specialist Program. Maintains detailed records and generates reports as directed by the Federal, State and County governments, the legal backup provider, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) and the program manager.

Analyze data, determine agency jurisdiction, and initiate referral and contacts on behalf of clients.

Counsel and assist families in planning services for their disabled adult members. Coordinate services with other agencies.

May meet with consumers in the office, in the consumer's home or in a public or community setting.

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. Prepares factual evidence and briefs for appeal of denied benefits.

Disseminate legal services/benefits advocacy to disabled persons in the community through site presentations, home visits, local media, and newsletters.

Plan, coordinate, and promote the volunteer services programs that develop self and family advocacy and/or improve access to benefits and services.

Assist with recruitment, screening, orientation, training, and/or arranging training, performance monitoring; implement special volunteer projects; and organize and participate in volunteer recognition programs.

Stays informed of current federal, state and local agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures as they affect benefits and services for Elderly adults.

Filing appeals, grievances and fair hearing to resolve benefits that were incorrectly determined through public or private benefits.

Explain policies, procedures, interpretations of administrative decisions, and instructions in response to telephone or personal inquiries from clients, co-workers, volunteers and the public.

Counsels on choice (advantages, risks, and responsibilities) related to services and programs that may address individual needs.

Maintain a variety of complex records which may include client case records, volunteer files, client and volunteer statistics, and forms. Complete timely data entry into required databases.

Prepare monthly column for the Newsletter; and media releases, as needed.

Effective communication with the public, staff, attorneys, state officials in writing, radio, social media, telephone and in-person presentations.

Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in a health and human services related field.

2. Must have a minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional work experience with the aging, elderly, or persons with disabilities.

3. Must successfully pass caregiver and criminal background check.

4. Skills in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

5. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.

Knowledge of computer software including work processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements

The job entails minimal physical demands, typically found in an office environment, with very limited exposure to workplace hazards. Some lifting, moving, bending, twisting, etc. required.

Work Environment

Usual office working conditions - comfortable work environment.

EOE / ADA Statement

Rusk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rusk County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

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 job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change

To see a summary of benefits offered to Full-time employees, review our