Representative Payee Specialist

Responsibilities

• Conduct on site reviews of individuals and organizations appointed as representative payees by SSA.
• Interview representative payees, beneficiaries, and when applicable, legal guardians and third parties.
• Review and analyze financial documentation looking to ensure the representative payee:
  • Manages funds so the beneficiary(ies) have no unmet current needs;
  • Accounts for all funds received and spent;
  • Conserves any unspent funds in an appropriate manner; and
  • Complies with representative payee accounting and reporting responsibilities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the representative payee review using approved SSA forms, citing deficiencies, notifications, issues, and referrals.
• Review housing facilities for possible health and safety violations.  Observe for possible abuse, neglect or licensing violations and refer to appropriate DRM team or other entities.
• Develop corrective action plans to assist representative payees in conforming to requirements specified by the SSA Commissioner.
• Complete required documentation according to SSA grant award and Business Process Document.
• Maintain the security and safety of personal identifying information (PII) of all individuals involved in representative payee reviews.
• Ensure representative payees fully understand their duties and responsibilities with respect to recordkeeping and reporting.
• Maintain communication with team members and other DRM staff to exchange information, provide technical assistance/consultation, and resolve problems.
• Participate in various outreach activities including public presentations, training, and development of written materials to educate others about DRM and the rights of Social Security beneficiaries.
• Attend staff meetings, training, and in-service programs in office, virtually, or off-site as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal mandates, court rulings, government systems and   DRM policies related to the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Participate in cultural activities, collect data, advise clients, providers, community organizations and others about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level V moderate risk public trust government clearance by the National Background Investigation Service is required for this position.
• Bachelor’s degree in human service area or business/accounting; or relevant experience in business/accounting, human services, and disability rights.
• A minimum of two years previous investigation experience; demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple priorities and demands.
• Demonstrated functional knowledge in basic accounting principles and terminology.
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized populations including with individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to respond in a professional, non-judgmental manner to emotionally charged issues and negotiate through confrontational situations and stressful interactions.
• Strong and effective writing, verbal, and negotiating communications skills including the ability to do so in a concise manner, even when doing so regarding complex issues to a variety of people.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Michigan and to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Extensive travel is required including possible overnight trips.
• Valid State of Michigan identification and ability to travel to meetings with clients and similar activities as required. Work involves travel to various locations throughout the State with some exposure to adverse conditions, weather, traffic hazards, and the like. Minimal exposure to injury and/or communicable diseases when using standard precautions.
• Training in diversity, equity and/or inclusion and willingness to engage with staff in additional further training in these areas.
• COVID-19 vaccination preferred.

Salary Range

$51,000 – $55,000 depending on experience.

Excellent benefits.

Deadline for Application

Open until filled.