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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2011 (10) ' RESOLUTION TO FILL CONTRACT POSITION OF `1 BENEFIT SPECIALIST Resolution No. /U c l ( 1 St. Croix County, Wisconsin WHEREAS, on October 5, 2010, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution requiring any position in which a vacancy occurs to be reviewed by the parent committee, the Administration Committee and the County Board prior to refilling; and WHEREAS, the Benefit Specialist position is a new position approved in the 2011 budget by the County Board on October 26, 2010; and WHEREAS, the Administration Committee deems this new position to be covered by the vacant position review policy; and WHEREAS, the Health and Human Services Board is the parent committee for the position of Benefit Specialist in the Health and Human Services Department; and WHEREAS, the Health and Human Services Board has reviewed the position and determined the position is necessary and there are no viable alternatives to the position, and therefore recommends that the position be filled; and WHEREAS, the Administration Committee has reviewed the position and agrees with the conclusions of the Health and Human Services Board and recommends the position be filled; and WHEREAS, the County Board has reviewed the position and agrees with the conclusions of the Health and Human Services Board and the Administration Committee and concludes that the position should be filled. THEREFORE, be it resolved by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors that the position of Benefit Specialist in the Health and Human Services Department be filled. Offered by the Administration Committee YES NO ABSTAIN ABSENT SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Ryan Sicard ❑ ❑ ❑ ® Esther Wentz ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Gene Ruetz ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Lorin Sather ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Sharon Norton - Bauman ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Buck Malick 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Daryl Standafer "`"� This Resolution was adopted by the St. Croix County Board Revie as to form on D "` (,� of Supervisors on Jr r� 1 4 c-JD /l C Greg 11 erman, Corporation Counsel Cindy Campbell, §bunty Cler Benefit Specialist 1. What has been the recent annual & monthly trend of work performed by the position? Between October & December of 2010, the Elderly Benefit Specialist has fielded more than 400 phone calls and assisted at least 200 individuals with Medicare choices. Not only has the volume of people served increased, but also the complexity of the issues have become more difficult. The volume of people served by the Disability has also increased. Currently there is a six week wait for individuals to receive assistance through the Disability Benefit Specialist. 2. Who fills in for the position during absences for PTO? Currently, when the Elderly Benefit Specialist and Disability Benefit Specialist are absent, messages are taken for call backs upon return of the staff. The benefit specialist require specific training and thus the staff coverage is limited until they return. 3. What will be the impact to the public of delay in filling the position? Benefit related matters are extremely time sensitive. Failing to match staffing levels with public need will contribute to economic challenges in our country as those in need of benefit related services could be left without health insurance, disability benefits, energy assistance, and prescription drug coverage. Both the Elderly Benefit Specialist and Disability Specialist complete public service duties facing an increasing demand in recent changes in the state and local economic challenges. There is one St. Croix County employee, the Disability Benefit Specialist, available to serve each St. Croix County resident between the ages of 18 -59. Likewise, there is one Elderly Benefit Specialist available to serve each St. Croix County resident age 60 or older, regardless of financial status. 2009 Census Bureau statistics indicate that there were 7,336 disabled residents of St. Croix County from January 2008 — June 2009 St. Croix County experience a 54% growth in Family Medicaid enrollment as compared to 28% growth in the remainder of the state (2009 -2014 St. Croix County Community Health Improvement Plan). Between 2000 -2030 St. Croix County will experience the fastest rate of growth (67.9 %) as compared to all other WI counties (WI Population Projection 2000 -2030. Larger economic implications are related to the notion that some residents served by these positions represent some of the most economically challenged residents of our county. In addition, some of our country's most contributing members (i.e. those whom have worked and paid taxes for many years but have been struck by disability, job loss, home foreclosure, etc) will be left alone to navigate the extremely complicated benefit world as well. 4. How much is the net savings for each month the position is unfilled? This position is a contracted position at $25,000 /year. This is a reduced request from the original request in the 2011 budget. This position is fully funded through a combination of state and federal dollars in addition to funds already secured by the ADRC. This position is also a revenue generating_ position. The contracted employee working in this position will generate revenue through Medical Assistance reimbursement.