Disability Benefit Specialist

Application deadline: 2026-09-18

About the role

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Portage County is hiring a full-time Disability Benefits Specialist. The ADRC’s mission is to support seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.

Responsibilities

• Counseling and Advocacy
  • Provide accurate and current information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefit programs.
  • Keep regular office hours for scheduled appointments at Lincoln Center.
  • Develop accessible service in rural areas of the county and make home visits when necessary.
  • Provide information and assistance regarding how to access benefits.
  • Assist potential applicants for Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Food Share, and Family Care in locating and verifying data (financial and non-financial).
  • Provide information regarding consumer rights and complaints, grievances, and appeals at the local and state levels or beyond.
  • Perform necessary research/investigation in individual cases.
  • Provide advice and assistance in preparing and filing complaints, grievances, and appeals at the local and state levels or beyond.
  • Make appropriate referrals for employment and other disability-related counseling and services.
  • Consult with program attorney to determine appropriate interpretation of law or regulation and appropriate action to assist in resolution of concerns.
  • Refer to program attorney for consideration of representation in judicial proceedings.
  • Maintain confidential files documenting all actions taken and follow up thoroughly until resolution of problem.
  • Provide information on current benefits issues to target groups by making presentations in the community.
  • Provide information for newsletters and local newspapers; edit and develop appropriate news releases.
• Plan and Implement Systems and Strategies for Service Improvement
  • Develop activities which will expand and enhance Benefit Specialist services.
  • Develop public relations effort to make people aware of service.
  • Provide consumers with training and technical assistance in developing self-advocacy skills.
  • Evaluate service effectiveness and make appropriate changes.
  • Identify concerns and problems of individuals with disabilities and related system level issues.
  • Present that information to appropriate organizations.
• Recordkeeping
  • Complete all reporting requirements to the State of Wisconsin and Disability Rights Wisconsin on the level and extent of Disability Benefit Specialist services.
• Training
  • Study and keep current on changes to public entitlement programs and new legal issues of concern to adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
  • Attend and successfully complete training provided by the Department of Health Services.
  • When possible, attend training recommended and approved by the ADRC Director.
• Coordination
  • Coordinate with agencies such as the Social Security Administration, District Attorney’s Office, Health and Human Services, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living Centers, and other service providers, and relevant local/state offices.
  • Refer clients to other community services as appropriate.
  • Advocate/network with local bar association for pro bono services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a health or human services related field.
• At least one year of experience working with adults with developmental or physical disabilities or mental illness.
• Experience with Social Security, Medicare, Medical Assistance, SSI, or as a paralegal is helpful.
• Experience in program planning and development.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle for work-related travel.

Pay

Pay range starts at $29.57 per hour.

Benefits

• Vacation – available on day one.
• Health insurance – choice of two health plans (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan).
• Wellness incentive plan – earn up to $600 per year.
• Flexible spending account.
• Dental insurance.
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan – County contribution of 7.2%.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• Life insurance – premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk).
• Long term disability insurance – premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk).
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) – paid by the County.
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.