Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

• Job Posting closes: March 21, 2023
• Required documents uploaded by: March 21, 2023

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

About the Position

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Hourly Pay Range: $20.13/hour

• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The Working Healthy Benefits Specialist (K0224279) provides individualized benefits planning including Social Security work Incentives and the effects of earning on cash, medical, food assistance, housing assistance and any other benefit the individual may have. They also provide outreach and presentations on the Working Healthy/KanCare program, and The STEPS Pilot Program and Work Opportunities Rewards Kansans (WORK) benefit, Working Healthy Medically Improved Category, Social Security Work Incentives, along with education on KanCare, and Medicare. This particular position will cover 4 counties. The Working Healthy Benefits Specialists promote employment to people with disabilities by showing the advantage of earnings over cash benefits and the availability of continued health insurance coverage through either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Medicaid Buy-In program - Working Healthy. Benefits Specialists are sought out by Employment Initiative programs in the State to help educate their participants and staff, to reduce their dependency on public supports and increase self- sufficiency, Working Healthy Benefits Specialists perform program retention tasks, counsel prospective Working Healthy members about the program, employment and provide WORK referrals where appropriate. Working Healthy Benefits Specialists also serve Kansans by providing customer services, referrals and liaison for Customers and the Clearinghouse..

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide individualized consultation to assist individuals with disabilities in determining how work will impact current benefits and improve financial independence and self-sufficiency through benefits planning. This consultation includes collecting and verifying specific information related to Federal and State programs, income, resources, health insurance, work expenses, and work incentives. Assess the potential impact of employment or increased hours or income on benefits. Assess the adequacy of health care coverage that may be offered and provide options. When necessary, develop a written benefits plan for the individual. Provide guidance to access services, or other agencies. Provide information on Federal, State and local programs available to the individual/Medical Representative/Guardian/Conservator to assist them in making an informed decision. HIPPA and PHI policies must be adhered to. Performs ad hoc analysis and interprets results for DHCF staff and stakeholders. Creates and maintains documentation for each report. Responds to written and verbal inquiries from DHCF staff and other states or national bodies engaged in survey and research work regarding Medicaid data.
• Provide appropriate contact to ensure ongoing program eligibility for WH and the STEPS Pilot. Act as liaison between stakeholders. Identify concerns regarding policy and advocate for change, if necessary. Negotiate and advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities to support consumer choice and employment within the intended spirit of the Working Healthy program and the STEPS Pilot. Follow-up on member concerns as needed. Provide documentation and follow-up of significant activities pertaining to eligibility/maintenance/assistance for program and pilot participants and stakeholders. Participate in ongoing training events designed to maintain current information and knowledge base of benefit programs. Responsible for continued awareness of current policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to Social Security and other work incentive programs. Regular participation in Benefits Specialists Team meetings and, as deemed necessary, regional office meetings. Participate in internet/virtual correspondence for support, question and answer, and feedback with team members. Provide information for research and Pilot reporting needs. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel of stakeholder agencies.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • High School, GED
• Licensing & Certification:
  • Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.
  • New hire will be expected to actively apply for CWIC training as available and obtain certification.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Six months of experience in planning, implementing and monitoring activities relevant to the agency’s programs.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Education, Human Services or a related field may be substituted for the required experience as determined relevant by the agency
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Basic math skills w/emphasis on creative problem solving
  • Strong ethics including confidentiality and conflict of interest
  • Deductive abilities
  • Ability to translate technical information into understandable information
  • Awareness and understanding of issues pertinent to people with disabilities
  • Knowledge of private programs such as health insurance which impacts people with disabilities
  • Knowledge of federal/state/local programs including eligibility criteria, benefits offered
  • Experience interpreting law, statutes, policies, rules, regulations, and administrative codes
  • Experience communication with individuals with various degrees of learning comprehension
  • Professional experience reading complex governmental regulations
  • Ability to listen, evaluate circumstances, present alternatives, develop and review plans of action
  • Awareness of cultural and political issues pertaining to various disability populations
  • Ability to access and gather information in a variety of ways
  • Experience with:
    • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access

Recruiter Contact Information

• Name: Jessica Smith
• Email: Jessica.Smith@ks.gov
• Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• Transcripts
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.