<p>Economic Support Specialist</p> <p>Salary</p> <p>$23.97 - $26.19 Hourly</p> <p>Location</p> <p>Appleton, WI</p> <p>Job Type</p> <p>Full-time</p> <p>Job Number</p> <p>2503308</p> <p>Department</p> <p>DHHS Economic Support</p> <p>Opening Date</p> <p>07/01/2025</p> <p>Typical Work Hours/Shift:</p> <p>Monday- Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM</p> <ul> <li>Description </li><li>Benefits </li><li>Questions </li></ul> <p>Outagamie County Core Values</p> <p>Invested in Serving</p> <p>Better Together</p> <p>Create Progress</p> <p>Support Through Compassion</p> <p>Position Purpose</p> <p>The Economic Support Specialist establishes eligibility for Economic Support Programs in accordance with policy.</p> <p>The ideal candidate will have the ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment. They must also possess critical thinking skills, adapt to change quickly and have good time- management skills. The position allows for telecommuting up to 60% of the time. New Economic Support Specialists must attend virtual, state-sponsored training for approximately 6 - 8 weeks. During that time trainees have access to Staff Development Specialists for support, additional training, resources, coaching and practice in a training environment.</p> <p>Hours: Monday- Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM with possible overtime</p> <p>Benefits: We offer a full benefits package.</p> <p>Do you want to learn more about what the job duties of this role? Watch the video below.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <p>The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.</p> <ul> <li>Maintain knowledge of complicated and ever-changing Federal and State rules, policies and procedures for numerous, Income Maintenance programs that support the very basic needs (health care, food, shelter, and child care) of customers. Programs include: Medicaid for the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled; other subprograms of Medicaid; BadgerCare Plus; FoodShare; Caretaker Supplement; Child Care Authorizations and Subsidies. Determine eligibility for emergency benefits or priority benefit issuance and manually determine eligibility for non-automated programs and prepare Medicaid certifications. </li><li>Manage a caseload of 500 or more cases made up of adults, children and families with unique living and financial circumstances. This includes conducting interactive, investigative interviews with customers and/or their legal representative; determining accurate benefit levels by ensuring computer-generated results are accurate; authorizing the issuance of benefits from multiple programs; processing changes to income, assets, household composition and other factors that impact eligibility; assembling required verification; scrutinizing data received from other state and county agencies such as wages and benefits, asset verifications, social security, out-of-state benefits, and child support orders; resolving discrepancies between what is reported by applicants and recipients and what is reported by other agencies; acting on situations that may involve fraud. Upon subpoena, appear and testify in circuit court or jury trial. </li><li>Coordinate services with child support specialists for paternity establishment and enforcement of Child Support orders; explain good cause criteria for non-cooperation with child enforcement that may involve sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, or emotional abuse. Coordinate with social workers and the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) to ensure customer needs are met. As mandatory reporters, contact the intake worker located in the Children, Youth and Families Division or the Adult Protective Services Division if abuse or neglect is suspected or witnessed. Refer customers ineligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus to the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM). </li><li>Calculate the amount of benefit over issuance using Federal and State rules and regulations to create a budget analysis of the reporting quarters impacted. Generate notices to customers alerting them to the overpayment and repayment responsibilities. Refer applicants (front-end verification) and recipients to the fraud investigator and assist in the discovery of information and evidence. Perform as a responsible steward of Federal, State and Local funds. </li><li>Meet agency, consortium, and state performance requirements and state contract requirements such as timely case processing, FoodShare error rates, call center wait times and speed of answer. Provide timely and quality service to customers, legal representatives and guardians, corporation counsel and attorneys, federal and state staff, and health care professionals in a proficient and empathetic manner and abiding all mandated client confidentiality rules. </li><li>Navigate numerous systems and databases including: CARES/CARES Worker Web (CWW), Electronic Case File (ECF), Automated Case Directory (ACD), Child Care Electronic Benefits (EBT CSAW), Benefit Recovery Investigation System (BRITS), Alien Verification System (SAVE), Forward Health, DOT Division of Motor Vehicles, Web Access Management Systems (WAMS), Kids Information Data System (KIDS), and Call Center Anywhere (CCA). </li><li>Decipher complicated documents such as tax forms and schedules, wills and trusts, life and burial insurance, promissory notes, annuities, legal affidavits, child support and child placement court orders, and financial aid awards as part of the eligibility determination process and to determine cost shares based on family circumstances such as, income, assets, spousal impoverishment, medical information, and undue hardship. </li><li>Represent the State and Outagamie County Health and Human Services at hearings by preparing case details, collecting evidence, and providing testimony before an Administrative Law Judge. </li></ul> <p>Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's Degree in a related field, OR </li><li>Associates Degree in a related field with 2 years of related experience, OR </li><li>Successful completion of the training required to perform duties of an Economic Support Specialist or other position that determines eligibility for Health Care, FoodShare, or Child Care and demonstrated ability to successfully manage an economic support/income maintenance caseload. </li></ul> <p>Required or Preferred Skills</p> <ul> <li>Ability to effectively communicate verbally or in writing with customers with limited reading, writing, and speaking ability. Spanish and/or Hmong bilingual skills preferred. </li><li>Comprehend and interpret complex policy and procedure manuals and legal, medical, and financial documents, and communicate with other professionals such as attorneys, social workers, and legal representatives. </li><li>Assist in the planning, development and evaluation of the agency's needs. </li><li>Ability to be flexible and responsive as demands change and to work independently and be a positive team member. </li><li>Adhere to professional ethics and standards. </li><li>Must be organized, dependable, and accurate. </li><li>Ability to use call center software and equipment and to operate a variety of other office equipment including computer, calculator, telephone, scanner and fax machine. </li><li>Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide and to calculate decimals and percentages. </li></ul> <p>OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.</p> <p>Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting: https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources/employee-benefits-information</p> <p>Outagamie County Diversity Statement:</p> <p>Outagamie County is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We pledge to amplify the voices of under-represented communities or those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial, social injustice and inequities. We strive to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion are embedded at all levels of Outagamie County programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. We will create and advance equitable polices, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting and procurement. We commit to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update our values when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. Outagamie County will strive to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong.</p> <p>OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.</p> <p>OUTAGAMIE COUNTY OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE TO ITS EMPLOYEES.</p> <p>LEVELS OF BENEFITS CAN VARY BASED ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND EMPLOYEE GROUP.</p> <p>Medical Coverage</p> <p>Outagamie County currently offers eligible employees a Low-Deductible Health Plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Each of these plans are available for single or family coverage at affordable rates.</p> <p>Dental Coverage</p> <p>Eligible employees may choose either single, limited family, or family coverage.</p> <p>Vision Coverage</p> <p>Outagamie County offers single, employee plus one, employee plus children, and family voluntary vision insurance for those that are benefit eligible. Vision insurance coverage provides an opportunity for employees to save money on routine vision exams, contacts, eyeglass frames, and lenses.</p> <p>Life Insurance</p> <p>Outagamie County provides group life insurance for full-time employees. The cost of this coverage is paid for in full by the County.</p> <p>Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance</p> <p>Short-Term Disability pays the employee a portion of his or her income for a specified period of time, as determined by the plan. The Short-Term Disability plan provides coverage for injuries and illnesses that occur outside of work. The premium for this coverage is paid entirely by the employee and is available to active employees that meet the hours threshold requirements.</p> <p>Long-Term Disability Insurance</p> <p>All regular, non-union full-time employees are eligible for long-term disability coverage. Premiums are fully paid by the County.</p> <p>Wisconsin Retirement System</p> <p>Wisconsin Retirement Program helps provide for financial security during retirement. Monthly annuity payments at retirement are calculated using years of creditable service, average earnings (based on three highest years of earnings), formula factors, age at retirement and selected annuity option.</p> <p>The retirement plan consists of two parts: an employee-required portion and an employer-required portion. Outagamie County pays the employer portion, and employees are responsible for paying the employee-required portion, which is determined by the state each year. Enrollment is required for eligible employees. Eligibility is determined based on Wisconsin Retirement System plan rules.</p> <p>Flexible Spending Account Plan</p> <p>The Flexible Spending Account Plan saves money by allowing the employee to pay for certain medical related expenses and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, reducing annual taxable income resulting in Federal, State, Social Security, and Medicare tax savings.</p> <p>Employee Assistance Program</p> <p>Outagamie County has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The services offered as part of the County's plan are a benefit provided at no cost to its employees and their immediate family members to help deal with life's stresses. EAP consists of caring individuals who are certified counselors. They offer professional support and direction towards resolving problems or concerns. They can also help by referring the employee to another resource if assistance is needed beyond the EAP.</p> <p>Paid Time Off</p> <p>Outagamie County offers several paid time off benefits that include: vacation, personal holidays, national holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave and military leave.</p> <p>Deferred Compensation</p> <p>Deferred Compensation allows employees to set aside pre-tax earnings toward retirement. Employees can save up to 100% of their compensation, to a maximum of $20,500 annually, or as little as $10.00 per paycheck. The amount deferred reduces year-end state and federal income tax base. All the earnings will accrue tax-deferred until such time as the assets are withdrawn, generally at retirement, termination, or other special circumstances. There is also an after-tax 457 Roth contribution option.</p> <p>Employee and Family Clinic</p> <p>Primary Health Services are available to employees and dependents ages 2 and up, who are covered on a county health plan.</p> <p>Pet Insurance</p> <p>Please note that the pet insurance offers are discounts offered to Outagamie County employees and are not programs sponsored by Outagamie County. Please contact the companies directly for any questions, concerns or service issues.</p> <p>If you would like to learn more, please click below about the benefits.</p> <p>CONTINUING EDUCATION</p> <p>Outagamie County encourages continuing education by offering Education Reimbursement. This reimbursement is intended to provide assistance to the employee for out-of-pocket expenses for continuing education for the mutual benefit of the employee and Outagamie County, not covered in the departmental budget.</p> <p>Any Outagamie County employee in good standing, averaging twenty (20) hours or more per week during the six (6) months prior to the start of the course, is eligible to apply. This statement is not all-inclusive in regard to tuition reimbursement.</p> <p>https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources</p> <p>01</p> <p>I understand that the starting wage is $23.97 per hour and is not negotiable unless you are an experienced Economic Support Worker in Wisconsin. I agree with the starting wage.</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>Do you speak fluent Hmong or Spanish? Please explain.</p> <p>Required Question</p>