ADRC Specialist
Are you passionate about helping others live with dignity and independence? The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable ADRC Specialist to connect older adults and individuals with disabilities to the services and resources they need to thrive. In this vital role, you’ll provide person-centered guidance, conduct assessments to determine program eligibility, and empower individuals and caregivers to make informed long-term care decisions. If you excel at building trust, navigating complex systems, and advocating for others, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve and support the County’s mission of fostering independence, inclusion, and community well-being.
The ADRC Specialist supports older adults and individuals with disabilities by connecting them to essential services, resources, and long-term care options while delivering accurate, person-centered information, intake, and counseling. This position identifies individual needs, determines program eligibility through assessments and functional screens, advocates on behalf of clients, and facilitates access to appropriate services. The role contributes to the County’s human services mission by applying regulatory knowledge and interpersonal skills to foster independence, informed decision-making, and community engagement.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provides person-centered information and assistance by identifying individual needs and presenting options in clear, accessible language and formats.
- Collects necessary information to fully understand and define customers’ concerns and needs.
- Administers the State of Wisconsin’s Long-Term Care Functional Screen and assists with enrollment and disenrollment for Family care or Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) programs.
- Provides options counseling to support individuals and caregivers in making informed long-term care decisions.
- Assists with facility-to-home or community relocations as referred by long-term care providers.
- Delivers short-term service coordination for up to 90 days, including follow-up and advocacy to ensure positive outcomes.
- Educates and assists consumers in navigating the Medicaid application process, collaborating with Economic Support and assisting with program verifications.
- Represents the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) through public outreach, interdisciplinary groups, community presentations, and events to promote awareness and community integration.
- Ensures timely responses to inquiries and maintains documentation in accordance with ADRC policy and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Conducts in-home visits and community-based assessments, adapting service delivery to meet individual environments and needs.
Key Competencies & Skills
- Information Delivery: Communicates eligibility and care information clearly to diverse populations and literacy levels.
- Interpersonal Communication: Builds rapport and trust with clients, families, and community partners while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Regulatory Application: Applies state and federal regulations to functional eligibility, enrollment, and confidentiality standards.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: Uses sound judgment in complex, time-sensitive, or emotionally charged situations.
- Technical Proficiency: Operates electronic systems, databases, and office tools proficiently in compliance with ADRC requirements.
- Team Collaboration: Coordinates effectively with internal staff and external partners to ensure seamless service delivery.
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a health or human services field or a Registered Nursing (RN) degree.
- At least one (1) year experience working with older adults or individuals with developmental, physical, mental health, or substance use disorders.
- Must complete the State Functional Screen training within 60 days of hire.
- Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) certification for Information and Referral Specialists required within two (2) years of hire.
- Memory screening certification required within two (2) years of hire.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Preferred Education & Experience
- Experience with public benefit navigation, Medicaid, or managed care systems.
- Prior work with Wisconsin’s ADRC programs or functional screening processes.
- Multilingual ability or cross-cultural communication experience is advantageous.