Investigator – Representative Payee
Department: Protection and Advocacy | Location: Home office – Statewide |
Reports to: Rep Payee Supervisor | Strong preference for Fox Valley Area |
Classification: Grade F | Deadline: April 8, 2019 5 PM |
Salary: $40,000-52,000 | FT Exempt |
Job Summary
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is the designated, federally-funded protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Wisconsin. DRW utilizes a wide variety of advocacy approaches to protect people’s rights, including legal and administrative remedies, legislative and policy change, and training. DRW also houses several programs funded by the State of Wisconsin that provide ombudsman and advocacy services to people with disabilities and provide technical assistance and training to other professionals who serve people with disabilities in Wisconsin related to public benefits.
Social Security’s Representative Payment Program provides financial management for the Social Security and SSI payments of Social Security beneficiaries who have been determined to be incapable of managing their own Social Security or SSI payments. The Social Security Representative Payee Program at DRW is charged with conducting onsite reviews selected by the Social Security Administration of both organizational and individual representative payees to verify that the representative payee is using the benefits properly on behalf of the beneficiary and carrying out the responsibilities and duties correctly. Additionally, the program will refer beneficiaries to other programs or services DRW considers appropriate. The primary role of the Investigator is conducting assigned site reviews, following specific guidelines and protocols as set forth by the Social Security Administration. Working under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Investigator will work individually and in teams the Investigator is responsible for scheduling and conducting the reviews and completing detailed reports on a strict timeline.
Job Responsibilities
- Conduct site reviews, investigations and educational visits with individual and organizational representative payees throughout the state following strict timelines and site visit procedures.
- Interviewing representative payees, beneficiaries and others, examining financial records and documenting observations.
- Work with supervisor, other investigators and administrative staff to schedule and timely complete site-visits and detailed reports.
- Effectively communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
- Manage caseload in a timely manner, following all Social Security guidelines regarding procedural steps and deadlines.
- Submit investigative reports to supervisor for review and approval before final submission to national organization.
- Maintain a secure home office.
- Substantial travel throughout Wisconsin.
- Attend regular team meetings through skype and in person upon request.
- Identify and document potential situations of abuse, neglect, exploitation or other rights violations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an area related to the provision of advocacy services to vulnerable populations or equivalent experience.
- 3 years direct experience conducting investigations or site reviews such as compliance audits or other regulatory matters.
- Demonstrated history of strong attention to detail and strict adherence to timelines.
- Demonstrated experience with financial record keeping using basic accounting principles.
- Excellent listening and verbal skills; professional written communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues.
- Basic computer skills, including email, word processing and use of the internet.
- Must have reliable access to transportation for significant statewide travel and be able to stay overnight frequently.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Direct contact with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Direct (paid or unpaid) experience with people with disabilities or other vulnerable populations.
- Experience providing outreach, training and/or technical assistance.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and ability to manage a high volume of tasks.
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish and/or American Sign Language (ASL)
PLEASE NOTE: Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management is required for this position.
Starting Salary range: $40,000-$52,000, DOE.
Location: Home Office – Statewide, strong preference for Fox Valley Area
Application: Submit the following in either Microsoft Word or PDF format, detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
- 1-2 page resume
- separate 1-2 page cover letter
Please submit by 5 PM, Monday, April 8, 2019 for priority consideration. Open until filled.
Apply online at: http://www.disabilityrightswi.org/about/careers/
DRW is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to a diverse work force. Members of minority groups and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Alternate formats of this Position Announcement are available upon request. Materials may be submitted in alternate formats if necessary.