Economic Support Specialist

Join Our Team at Dunn County

At Dunn County, we're more than just a local government – we're a community of dedicated professionals united by our core values and committed to serving our residents. Our culture is built on five fundamental principles that guide everything we do:

Our Core Values in Action

• Dedication - We demonstrate unwavering commitment to those we serve, ensuring that every decision and action is focused on enhancing the quality of life for Dunn County residents.
• Professionalism - Excellence is our standard. We maintain the highest levels of competence while fostering an environment of courtesy and respect in all our interactions and responsibilities.
• Ethics - Integrity is non-negotiable. We pride ourselves on consistently acting with honesty and transparency, building trust through ethical decision-making in every aspect of our public service.
• Betterment - Innovation drives us forward. We're committed to continuous improvement, constantly seeking ways to enhance our services and the value we deliver to our community.
• Collaboration - Together we achieve more. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is essential to achieving our shared goals.

Join Dunn County as an Economic Support Specialist and embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to providing vital assistance to individuals and families in need. As an Economic Support Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in assessing eligibility and managing cases for various economic support programs, including Income Maintenance (IM), Wisconsin Shares (CC), and other essential initiatives such as Medical Assistance/Badger Care Plus and Food Share Wisconsin. Your responsibilities will be offering invaluable case management support to recipients.

Expect a dynamic role where you'll dive into analyzing policies, implementing procedures, and navigating software systems to ensure accurate and timely benefit determinations. You'll collaborate closely with other programs like the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), Children’s First, Food Share Employment and Training (FSET), and Wisconsin Works (W2), demonstrating your ability to adapt and thrive in a multifaceted environment.

Upon completing comprehensive training, you'll emerge equipped with the skills and experience to autonomously manage a full caseload, empowering you to make a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and seeking a rewarding opportunity to contribute to your community's well-being, this position offers a platform for professional growth and meaningful service. 

Join us in Dunn County and be part of a dedicated team committed to supporting individuals and families in achieving self-sufficiency and prosperity.

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provides information and assistance to the public/participants regarding various economic support programs.
• Conducts prescreening interviews of potential applicants to review various alternatives to financial/economic support assistance programs.
• Interviews and determines eligibility for various economic support programs assigned.
• Reviews eligibility information and materials, re-computes benefits, refers suspected fraud cases, testifies at administrative hearings and/or court.
• Refers applicants to outside agencies to coordinate services for "at risk" households.
• Provides case management services to coordinate needed services provided to participants.
• Makes referrals to and maintains contact with other agencies, organizations or providers.  Coordinates services with a variety of providers.
• Maintains complete and accurate case records.   Performs general office duties, as needed.
• Attends various staff training or other meetings, as required.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level/type, as required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Human Service Administration, or other related field.
• Requires a minimum of two (2) years previous related experience.

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to travel between work locations.
• Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• Fundamentals knowledge of human behavior.
• Understanding of functions and general nature/types of economic support services provided by County.
• Knowledge concerning the operation and use of computer equipment and applications and software utilized by the section.
• Fundamental knowledge of office procedures, functions, case management and record keeping operations.
• Knowledge of customer/office etiquette in dealing appropriately with the public.

• Learning and assessing general client issues and making necessary referrals to others inside or outside of the department, as warranted.
• Prioritizing and organizing a variety of responsibilities.
• Performing basic business mathematics.
• Learning, using and operating general business productivity software/applications utilized by the department.
• Ability to learn to apply regulations and guidelines of various public assistance and economic assistance programs consistently and appropriately across all clientele.
• Learning interview and data gathering client information techniques in a variety of areas including financial, employment, social, cultural and emotional.
• Learning and performing various case management, documentation, and service coordination requirements.
• Operating, using, inputting and maintaining case management records, procedures and software.
• Following written and oral instruction and completing tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to learn and prepare narrative reports, case files, forms and materials required by the department.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with departmental staff, supervisors and public.

• Applying department policies and procedures pertaining to confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships.
• Ability to follow Dunn County policies and procedures including those pertaining to confidentiality.

• Ability to prioritize and organize job assignments.

• Ability to manage time effectively, manage multiple projects, and complete work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff members, supervisors, and the general public in written and verbal form. 

• English skills (oral, written and comprehension) sufficient to effectively communicate with all internal and external customers.

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

• Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
• Ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages.

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Human Resources.  
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical effort will typically require regular, but not continuous, exertion of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Continuous speaking, hearing and using hands dexterously; work frequently requires sitting; and work occasionally requires standing, walking and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• The physical and environmental hazards and risks associated with the job can be characterized as minimal.

• While much of this role may be performed remotely at the discretion of the manager and subject to organizational needs, this position is designated as Wisconsin-based and requires the employee to maintain residency within the State of Wisconsin due to applicable employment laws.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, moderate traffic).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dunn County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge that you have read our job posting in its entirety and meet the basic requirements outlined above. Dunn County looks forward to reviewing your application.