Representative Payee Specialist
The Arc of King County
- Renton, WA
- $25.00-27.00 per hour
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Responsible for ensuring all work is compliant with all state and federal laws and guidelines.
- Responsible for conducting payee intake meetings with new/prospective clients to assess client program suitability, explaining program features and benefits.
- Responsible for obtaining necessary agreements and required documentation to establish and commence payee services.
- Responsible for ensuring that individual financial plans(IFP) are in place, up to date and reflective of a participant’s income and spending.
- Responsible for ensuring current IFP is uploaded to Therap.
- Responsible for communicating IFP with participants and guardians. Providing updates upon any changes or updates.
- Responsible for maintaining participant and/or guardian signatures on current IFP’s.
- Responsible for maintaining all payee accounts and files in auditable condition for clients assigned.
- Responsible for submission of all rep payee reports in a timely fashion to Social Security and DSHS, including but not limited to DSHS monthly reports and billing, Social Service periodic reports, Social Security annual payee reports, any wages or changes in wages, living situations.
- Responsible for completing bank account reconciliations in a timely manner for accounts assigned for reconciliation purposes.
- Responsible for ensuring no lapses occur in in medical eligibility, housing, monthly incomes, foods benefits, etc.
- Responsible for counseling and educating clients in aspects of financial management as appropriate for each individual. This may include but is not limited to budgeting, prevention of financial exploitation, check preparation, banking, maintaining a checkbook, etc.
- Responsible for researching disputes with creditors, negotiating payment arrangements when necessary.
- Responsible for troubleshooting issues with landlords in collaboration with assigned SLP coordinator. Referring participants to appropriate agencies, advocates, or legal resources.
- Responsible for ensuring that client files are updated regularly with current information regarding individuals on your caseload.
- Responsible for documenting all client updates in database and or client file.
- Responsible for coordinating with Rep Payee check signers to do banking.
- Responsible for tracking expected client direct deposits, personal deposits and balances before issuing checks.
- Responsible for paying client bills in a timely manner, in accordance with each client’s spending plan, budget and due dates. Priorities are shelter, food, health and clothing. Notifying appropriate leadership when issues arise preventing payment of owed balances.
- Work cooperatively with and maintain exemplary working relationships with agencies, guardians, home providers, caregivers and other service providers.
- Be a supportive part of the supported living program, providing coverage and assistance when needed during busy times or audit support.
- Collaborate closely with peer staff to ensure fulfillment of client financial needs and maintenance of client accounts.
- Keep SLP leadership team members informed of individual client issues assigned to their case load.
- Responsible for ensuring that payee accounts are properly closed for participants who have transitioned out of the program for any reason.
- Responsible for facilitating Trust requests when appropriate.
- Responsible for managing and tracking participant loans that occur ensuring timely repayment.
- Responsible for submission of RAR requests to DDA for reimbursement of qualified expenses.
- Support team members ensuring receipt retention for needed participant purchases.
- Maintain a current and accurate Outlook calendar. Sharing with team members.
- Responds to inquiries from community members in a timely fashion and with competence.
- Consistently collaborates with SLP leadership to support and empower participants in meeting and developing their financial goals.
- Critically evaluate program activities for effectiveness and regularly consult with supervisor.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting preferred or equivalent experience or demonstrated skill in accounting, budgeting, and computer literacy.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills.
- Able to maintain confidentiality.
- Able to work under pressure, set priorities and manage time efficiently.
- Knowledge of the requirements and laws established by Social Security and DSHS for Representative Payees.
- Experience supporting individuals with I/DD.
- Computer literacy and proficiency with automated financial/checkbook software applications and MS Office.
- Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
- Excellent communication skills with emphasis on listening, tact, diplomacy and patience.
- Basic bookkeeping skills involving checkbook, budgeting and personal finance.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, ethnic and social backgrounds.
- Intermediate experience in use of Quickbooks, MS Office Suite, Therap.
- Ability to articulate and demonstrate knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and standard accounting practice.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check.
- Able to manage tasks amidst frequent interruptions.
- Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations.
- Ability to learn required skills through experience, on-the-job training, and other professional development opportunities.
- Ability to learn and implement State of Washington Mandatory Reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, ethnic and social backgrounds.
- Ability to persevere in the face of obstacles.
- Ability to maintain prolonged attention and typing in an open office environment.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- WA drivers’ license
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
- Ability to work in an open office environment
- Ability to travel anywhere in King County as needed (if driving, must have a WA driver’s license and car insurance; if not driving, ability to be punctual when traveling anywhere in King County)
- Work hours typically occur between 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday with some flexibility.
- Work location is primarily The Arc of King County’s main office. With the opportunity to work remotely 1 or 2 days per week once trained, with supervisors advance approval.
- Home or community visits to participants in the rep payee program are required.
- Requires occasional evening and weekend work with advanced notice.