Elder Benefits Specialist - Bilingual

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: July 1^st, 2025, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions

Elder Benefit Specialist - Bilingual

Department of Health & Human Services

Hourly Range: $23.03 - $31.61

Job Overview: The Bilingual Spanish Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) is responsible for meeting with customers that present language barriers and assist with translation to ensure consumers receive accurate information about public and private benefits as well as that they are provided access to technical assistance to access benefits. This position requires the ideal candidate to read, write, and speak fluent Spanish to interpret complex laws, rules and regulations, assist consumers with applying for various levels of public benefits, understanding their customer rights when applying, assisting consumers with filing complaints, grievance, and appeals processes related to benefits. Further, this position will assist with planning and presenting at outreach events as well as translating outreach and informational materials from English to Spanish as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist customers to locate and gather financial and non-financial information needed to apply for public and private benefits and assist in the application process. Research benefit information and follow-up to ensure that all information is processed correctly. Provide translation assistance when needed.
• Provide timely and accurate information about public and private benefits a customer may be eligible for as well as how to apply for these benefits. Utilize information found in State and Federal websites including State Health Insurance Program, CARES, Forward Health, and Benefit assistance tools to assist with benefits applications.
• Document outreach activities, consumer contacts, and referral outcomes. Report data on counseling efforts specific to customer served in Peerplace database (report on Midas until sunset) and Excel spreadsheets for all cases assigned. Document accurately in a clear, concise, and objective manner. Documentation includes demographical and geographical information
• Provide information and technical assistance to clients about rights, complaints, grievances, and appeals written and verbalized in English and Spanish as applicable.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings with EBS supervisor and supervising attorney from Senior Law to discuss EBS case issues. Attend ADRC training and meetings. Attend State EBS trainings and meetings throughout the year.
• Provide representation at administrative hearings or other grievance processes, as appropriate and under the guidance of a Senior Law attorney, for individuals who are elderly, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, cognitively impaired, etc. Assist customers with presumptive disabilities application to access public benefits.
• Provide information and offer choices about community services as well as resources for individuals 60 and over.
• Travel to and from customer's homes to assist with the application process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Current resident of the State of Wisconsin
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and access to an insured vehicle, both maintained throughout employment.
• Willing and able to travel to client's homes as necessary.
• A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in a Human Services or a closely related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with the aging population. Experience with Social Security, Medicare, Medical Assistance, SSI and other public benefit programs is preferred.
• At least an intermediate experience with all related computer and software (MS Office) applications.
• Must have the ability to read, write, and speak Spanish Fluently.
• Must attend mandatory Elder Benefits Specialist training with the State of Wisconsin and Senior Law Program Managers. Must become Ship Certified within 90 days of filing the position.

Please note: Final candidates must successfully complete and pass a written sample.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to treat all clients with respect and dignity; ability to communicate detailed/complex legal information to clients, gather, analyze, and evaluate information for clients, deliver informational presentations in public group settings, research, analyze and resolve legal problems and train, mentor, and support volunteers. Ability to attend and successfully complete initial and ongoing trainings as required, navigate the Internet, and enter data accurately. Past or current experience respectfully interacting with and advocating for older adults; excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply regulations governing eligibility for benefits, and work with supervising attorney for clarification.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.