Chippewa County, WI
Elder Benefits Specialist - Aging and Disability Resource Center
Chippewa County, WI, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, United States, 54494
Salary:
$26.31 - $28.60 Hourly Location :
WI 54729, WI Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2025-59 Department:
Department of Human Services Division:
DHS-Aging & Disability Resource Center Opening Date:
09/17/2025 Closing Date:
10/5/2025 4:30 PM Central
Purpose of Position JOB SUMMARY
The job duties of the Elder Benefit Specialist include but are not limited to serve as the community-level, frontline primary service provider of the State Elder Benefit Specialist Program; to assist persons age sixty and older 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, courteous and efficient service to County residents and the general public.
Click
here for full position description and search:
Elder Benefits Specialist.
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 5th 2025.
Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, October 14th 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties described below are indicative of what the Elder Benefit Specialist might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Elder Benefit 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 and private benefits and services and to health care financing, insurance, housing and other financial and customer 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 customer, perform case intake duties and provide case management within the scope of EBS services and under the direction of the supervising attorney. Refer and coordinate access to the public and private benefit system 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 customers 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. Perform computer data entry of customer records and comply with federal and state reporting requirements applicable to the program 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. Educate and empower customers to independently gain access to and maintain benefits. When necessary, provide direct application assistance to customers 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, ADRC website and social media Coordinate Medicare Open Enrollment, Senior Farmers Market Voucher Program and other agency administered programs that fall within the scope of Elder Benefit Specialist program 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 customers. Supervising program attorney Minimum Qualifications 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 Health or Human Services, Education or Healthcare Administration related programs. Two (2) years of 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 with direct customer contact required. Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, consumerism, advocacy, Social Security and/or customer rights preferred. Must become a Certified SHIP Counselor required within eighteen (18) months of hire. Experience with public speaking preferred. Familiarity with state and federal ADRC regulations preferred. A valid driver's license required. Chippewa County offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes the following:
Health Insurance
- The County's Health Plan's Third Party Administrator (TPA) is AmeriBen. The network is Anthem BluePreferred network including most medical providers in the Chippewa Valley. The plan has a $3,000 - Individual and $6,000 - Family deductible with an HRA funding. Individual and Family coverage has a
$0 monthly premium
for General Municipal Employees (GME). To determine monthly premiums for WPPA Employees, please refer to the WPPA Labor Agreement 2023-2025. Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- The County contributes money on the employee's behalf and can be used for qualified Medical, Dental, or Vision expenses. All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan qualify. A total of $500 per person enrolled on the plan, up to a max of 4 - $2,000 annually. Near-Site Clinic
- All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan have access to services at ReforMedicine. Services with ReforMedicine are
FREE ! Care Navigation
- All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan have the ability to utilize Alithias. Alithias will help save time and money by answering questions about Healthcare benefits, medical bills, help find high quality, in-network Providers, and high value Providers for all non-urgent clinic services. Musculoskeletal Partner - Physical Therapy
- All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan have access to services at Doctors of Physical Therapy. Services with Doctors of Physical Therapy are
FREE ! Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS - ETF)
- Employees (GME) will begin contributing 6.95% (2025) immediately to the state pension program through WRS. The County will match the employee contribution, 6.95% for a total of 13.9%. This percentage may change each year based on state requirements. To determine WRS percentages for WPPA Employees, please refer to the WPPA Labor Agreement 2023-2025 or contact Chippewa County Human Resources. Additional Insurance Plans Offered:
Dental, Vision, Life, Accident, and Critical Illness, Short-Term (GME only) and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts. PTO
- accrual equal to 7.09 hours of PTO per pay period (26 pay periods in a year). An employees total accrued PTO may not exceed four hundred eighty (480) hours. PTO hours roll over year to year. Holidays
- 10 paid holidays per year.
For additional benefit details and premiums, please refer to the Chippewa County website and click Career Opportunities and then Employee Benefits under the Menu on the top left toolbar. Or click
HERE
to go to the page directly! A GREAT CAREER BEGINS WITH CHIPPEWA COUNTY! 01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
Bachelor's degree Master's degree
02
Please list degree field: 03
Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with one or more of the client populations served by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)?
Yes No
04
If yes, please describe your experience: 05
Do you have work experience with public benefit programs?
Yes No
06
If yes, please describe your experience: 07
Do you have experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, consumerism, advocacy, Social Security and/or customer rights preferred?
Yes No
08
If yes, please describe your experience: 09
Are you a Certified SHIP Counselor?
Yes No
10
If yes, please provide certification details: 11
If not currently certified, are you willing and able to obtain certification within eighteen (18) months of hire, with the training and certification process completed during paid work hours?
Yes No
12
Are you familiar with Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCS)?
Yes No
13
If yes, please describe your knowledge: 14
Please describe your experience with public speaking, if any: 15
Which of the following best describes your level of technology experience?
Beginner: Comfortable performing basic tasks such as browsing the internet, sending and receiving emails, using simple apps or programs, and entering information into forms or databases. Intermediate: Able to work efficiently with a variety of common software and online tools, organize and manage files, use video conferencing and scheduling platforms, create and edit documents or spreadsheets with basic formulas, and troubleshoot minor issues. Advanced: Proficient in using a wide range of digital tools, including creating complex spreadsheets with advanced functions, managing shared drives or cloud systems, automating or streamlining tasks, using specialized software, and quickly adapting to new technologies with minimal training.
16
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes No
17
Have you ever been asked to separate employment or have you been discharged?
Yes No
18
If yes, please provide details: 19
Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Are you available to interview on this day?
Yes No
Required Question
$26.31 - $28.60 Hourly Location :
WI 54729, WI Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2025-59 Department:
Department of Human Services Division:
DHS-Aging & Disability Resource Center Opening Date:
09/17/2025 Closing Date:
10/5/2025 4:30 PM Central
Purpose of Position JOB SUMMARY
The job duties of the Elder Benefit Specialist include but are not limited to serve as the community-level, frontline primary service provider of the State Elder Benefit Specialist Program; to assist persons age sixty and older 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, courteous and efficient service to County residents and the general public.
Click
here for full position description and search:
Elder Benefits Specialist.
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 5th 2025.
Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, October 14th 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties described below are indicative of what the Elder Benefit Specialist might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Elder Benefit 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 and private benefits and services and to health care financing, insurance, housing and other financial and customer 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 customer, perform case intake duties and provide case management within the scope of EBS services and under the direction of the supervising attorney. Refer and coordinate access to the public and private benefit system 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 customers 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. Perform computer data entry of customer records and comply with federal and state reporting requirements applicable to the program 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. Educate and empower customers to independently gain access to and maintain benefits. When necessary, provide direct application assistance to customers 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, ADRC website and social media Coordinate Medicare Open Enrollment, Senior Farmers Market Voucher Program and other agency administered programs that fall within the scope of Elder Benefit Specialist program 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 customers. Supervising program attorney Minimum Qualifications 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 Health or Human Services, Education or Healthcare Administration related programs. Two (2) years of 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 with direct customer contact required. Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, consumerism, advocacy, Social Security and/or customer rights preferred. Must become a Certified SHIP Counselor required within eighteen (18) months of hire. Experience with public speaking preferred. Familiarity with state and federal ADRC regulations preferred. A valid driver's license required. Chippewa County offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes the following:
Health Insurance
- The County's Health Plan's Third Party Administrator (TPA) is AmeriBen. The network is Anthem BluePreferred network including most medical providers in the Chippewa Valley. The plan has a $3,000 - Individual and $6,000 - Family deductible with an HRA funding. Individual and Family coverage has a
$0 monthly premium
for General Municipal Employees (GME). To determine monthly premiums for WPPA Employees, please refer to the WPPA Labor Agreement 2023-2025. Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- The County contributes money on the employee's behalf and can be used for qualified Medical, Dental, or Vision expenses. All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan qualify. A total of $500 per person enrolled on the plan, up to a max of 4 - $2,000 annually. Near-Site Clinic
- All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan have access to services at ReforMedicine. Services with ReforMedicine are
FREE ! Care Navigation
- All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan have the ability to utilize Alithias. Alithias will help save time and money by answering questions about Healthcare benefits, medical bills, help find high quality, in-network Providers, and high value Providers for all non-urgent clinic services. Musculoskeletal Partner - Physical Therapy
- All employees and dependents enrolled on the Health Insurance Plan have access to services at Doctors of Physical Therapy. Services with Doctors of Physical Therapy are
FREE ! Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS - ETF)
- Employees (GME) will begin contributing 6.95% (2025) immediately to the state pension program through WRS. The County will match the employee contribution, 6.95% for a total of 13.9%. This percentage may change each year based on state requirements. To determine WRS percentages for WPPA Employees, please refer to the WPPA Labor Agreement 2023-2025 or contact Chippewa County Human Resources. Additional Insurance Plans Offered:
Dental, Vision, Life, Accident, and Critical Illness, Short-Term (GME only) and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts. PTO
- accrual equal to 7.09 hours of PTO per pay period (26 pay periods in a year). An employees total accrued PTO may not exceed four hundred eighty (480) hours. PTO hours roll over year to year. Holidays
- 10 paid holidays per year.
For additional benefit details and premiums, please refer to the Chippewa County website and click Career Opportunities and then Employee Benefits under the Menu on the top left toolbar. Or click
HERE
to go to the page directly! A GREAT CAREER BEGINS WITH CHIPPEWA COUNTY! 01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
Bachelor's degree Master's degree
02
Please list degree field: 03
Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with one or more of the client populations served by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)?
Yes No
04
If yes, please describe your experience: 05
Do you have work experience with public benefit programs?
Yes No
06
If yes, please describe your experience: 07
Do you have experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, consumerism, advocacy, Social Security and/or customer rights preferred?
Yes No
08
If yes, please describe your experience: 09
Are you a Certified SHIP Counselor?
Yes No
10
If yes, please provide certification details: 11
If not currently certified, are you willing and able to obtain certification within eighteen (18) months of hire, with the training and certification process completed during paid work hours?
Yes No
12
Are you familiar with Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCS)?
Yes No
13
If yes, please describe your knowledge: 14
Please describe your experience with public speaking, if any: 15
Which of the following best describes your level of technology experience?
Beginner: Comfortable performing basic tasks such as browsing the internet, sending and receiving emails, using simple apps or programs, and entering information into forms or databases. Intermediate: Able to work efficiently with a variety of common software and online tools, organize and manage files, use video conferencing and scheduling platforms, create and edit documents or spreadsheets with basic formulas, and troubleshoot minor issues. Advanced: Proficient in using a wide range of digital tools, including creating complex spreadsheets with advanced functions, managing shared drives or cloud systems, automating or streamlining tasks, using specialized software, and quickly adapting to new technologies with minimal training.
16
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes No
17
Have you ever been asked to separate employment or have you been discharged?
Yes No
18
If yes, please provide details: 19
Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Are you available to interview on this day?
Yes No
Required Question