Benefits Advocate

Job Details

Job Location

MCFI Main Campus - Milwaukee, WI

Position Type

Full Time

Education Level

4 Year Degree or Equivalent Experience

Job Shift

1st Shift

Job Category

Nonprofit - Social Services

General Functions

Job Purpose:

This is a professional position that facilitates access to, and maintenance of, appropriate benefits. These benefits include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSDI), Title 19, Medicare, Food Share, BadgerCare and Qualified Health Plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This position is involved with the ongoing monitoring of benefit eligibility as it pertains to consumers receiving treatment through Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division (BHD) and the Whole Health Clinical Group (WHCG).

Essential Job Functions:

1. Completes and maintains the mandatory state and federal trainings/exams required to become a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) in order to assist consumers enroll for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

2. Initiates the gathering of all necessary SSI, SSDI, Title 19 and Food Share application information from consumers. Coordinates the information with BHD staff, TLS staff, community agencies, and/or other individuals.

3. Responsible for the scheduling of SSI, SSDI, Title 19 and/or Food Share appointments at appropriate community offices.

4. Transmits consumer application information to the appropriate Social Security Administration (SSA), Disability Determination Bureau (DDB), and/or Department of Health Services (DHS) offices; including in-person, fax, telephone, and/or online submission.

5. Arranges for the completion of all necessary SSA and DHS forms, and ensures that consumers sign the appropriate Consent for Release of Information forms.

6. Attends to any needed follow-up on pending applications and/or reviews with SSA, DDB and/or county and state DHS offices.

7. Provides assistance and follow-up with consumers to ensure continuation of all eligible benefits.

8. Arranges for appropriate medical documentation to be forwarded to the DDB.

9. Establishes and maintains working relationships with local SSA offices, county and state DHS offices, state DDB offices, BHD staff, TLS staff, and other community agencies as appropriate.

10. Informs consumers, families/guardians, and/or BHD staff of community representative payee capabilities at appropriate community offices.

11. Assists consumers submit Health Insurance Marketplace applications either online or over the phone and explain to the consumer how health insurance works

12. Takes part in the training and orientation of new staff assigned to the Winged Victory Project.

13. Takes part in the training of BHD and WHCG staff on issues relating to benefit entitlement programs.

14. Keeps up-to-date on benefit entitlement program requirements.

15. Keeps up-to-date files and contact reporting for quarterly Key Performance Indicators and annual outcomes.

16. Advises the Winged Victory Program Manager on all aspects of the program.

17. Works in partnership with the quality department to develop appropriate measures in support of program outcomes.

18. Participates in department quality planning activities, (e.g. continuous improvement, Logic models, performance metrics, etc.,)

Experience and Skills

Required Technical Skills, Experience, Education, and Credentials:

1. Bachelor's Degree or related experience is required in the field of Social Work, Counseling, or related Human Services Field

2. Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with adults with severe and frequent mental illness

3. Access to a personal vehicle and motor vehicle record acceptable to program and/or contractual requirements

4. A valid Wisconsin driver's license, and automobile insurance with minimum limits of $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $10,000 property damage.

5. Must be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel.

6. Effectively communicates complex ideas and instructions both verbally and in writing.

7. Reliability in reporting to work regularly and on time.

8. Professional workplace appearance and conduct; friendliness and courtesy to consumers, coworkers and vendors.

9. Knowledge of CARES and Forward Health Portal is desirable.

10. Basic understanding of Social Security benefits.

11. Basic understanding of health insurance benefits.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may experience or must do to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

1. Work is performed largely in an office environment utilizing various office equipment including, but not limited to, a personal computer, copy machine, fax machine, and multi-line phone.

2. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours.

3. Ability to communicate effectively over the telephone, by computer and in person

4. Ability to perform well in a fast paced work environment.

This is a general outline of the essential functions of this position and shall not be construed as an all-inclusive description of all work requirements and responsibilities that may be inherent in this position. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the designated work leader(s). All requirements are subject to change over time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

CFI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and promotes a Drug Free Work Environment