WIBSA Table Discussion – Question 1

The board has discussed is creating a new website that will include the features of the WIBSA Updates page on the Employment Network and the WIBSA website. What things do you like about the websites now and what would you like to see changed or added?

Like:

  • Content
  • Discussions
  • Changes are posted on homepage
  • Discussion topics are useful
  • Employment site is good for updates
  • Archive webinars (you tube) –secure/access code
  • WIBSA not used often (get training logs and peer review)
  • Resources/Discussions are great but can be difficult to find
  • Have to dig and dig to find

Need:

  • Want combined
  • Easier navigation
  • More info – easy access discussion board for WIBSA website
  • No one likes the website
  • Better description of locations on site
  • Organization
  • Les uploading and have actual pages
  • App
  • Alert from site that notifies of changes.
  • Keep discussions
  • Resources
  • Training Opportunities
  • Pictures of members
  • Email members from site
  • Easier to navigate and find updates/docs
  • More user friendly for WIBSA members
  • Draw people’s attention to TA question
  • Hard to find specific resources/info
  • Not easy to navigate

WIBSA Table Discussion – Question 2

The board has been working on collaborating with the Wisconsin Association of Benefits Specialists (WABS), which includes the Disability Benefits Specialists and Elderly Benefits Specialists. We have discussed combining our annual meeting/training. What do you see as the positives to this? Do you see negatives?

Positives:

  • Getting additional contacts
  • Meeting with experts on state benefits (and others who have other roles)
  • Learn more info
  • Share resources
  • More in-depth info then what we are trained in
  • Nice to have access to legal back-up if needed
  • Good networking = good connections
  • They appear more regulated/credentialed
  • Hey have great training
  • More bodies = more possibility of credentialing
  • DBS and EBS may finally learn what WIBS do
  • Increase collaboration-better referrals
  • Better info about benefit changes across lifespan
  • Better idea about county specific services
  • More efficient with overlapping trainings
  • Mutually beneficial if we learn from each other
  • Would educate DBS and EBS about work incentives and appropriate referrals
  • More trainings available
  • Good for networking
  • Good idea
  • More information the better
  • Relationship
  • Advocacy
  • Are they concerned about WIBSA (not competing)
  • Price to join WABS
  • Networking
  • Training

Negatives:

  • May not get specific information that we need. We not fit with their groups because our info is such a small part.
  • Training could be less specific for WIBS
  • A lot of people – can we herd all those cats
  • Cost

WIBSA Table Discussion – Question 3

Currently there is no in-state training for new WIBS. Folks are having to take the training through Cornell or VCU. There is then a need for state specific training. Some agencies are able to handle this on their own with other experienced staff but some do not have that option. What thoughts do you have on WIBSA providing that state specific training?

  • Being on the same page
  • Some agencies only have one WIBS who doesn’t have a co-worker to teach them
  • Good idea
  • One resource for State specific training
  • Beneficial to have differing perspectives than your agency
  • Having up to date information is important.
  • Yes!
  • Standardized training
  • Quality updates in place
  • VCU- Molly Sullivan
  • Have a position on board that monitors training state benefits
  • ERI waiting to hear about providing state only training
  • Agree it’s needed
  • Appropriate role for WIBSA
  • Initial training vs. ongoing updates
  • WIBSA may not have the resources to develop training but if someone else creates the trainings, does WIBSA need to be involved?
    WIBSA may have role in connecting people to good quality WIBSA endorsed trainings for initial training
  • Is the ongoing training a better fit than the initial training for WIBSA?
  • Talk to Stephanie Drum after August 11
  • Shadowing for newbies outside of agencies with existing ben specs.
  • Need new business with curriculum
  • 100% needed
  • State specific training would be great

Topics:

  • Medicaid
  • State SSI
  • Food Share
  • Long Term Care
  • Energy Services
  • Housing
  • Local resources
  • MSPs

WIBSA Table Discussion – Question 4

The board would really like to see more input from members into what they want/need from WIBSA. What is the best way to get that input from you?

  • Direct emails work best
  • Table discussed having a phone number to contact WIBSA as needed would be beneficial
  • Table discussed more info for new members would be helpful
  • Making sure someone is regularly checking WIBSA email is important
  • Survey was very good
  • Email
  • Peer review process- need more discussion between reviewer and reviewee, different opinions/styles aren’t always taken into account e.g. do the workds “federal benefit rate’ have to appear in an SSI report
  • Surveys
  • Emails with one or two questions at a time
  • Regional topic base conference calls/webinar
  • Email
  • Surveys
  • Communication
  • Via Employment Network
  • Survey Monkey
  • Feedback section on new website
  • Maybe with Peer Review Process

WIBSA Table Discussion – Question 5

We still need a name for our newsletter. Please come up with some ideas!

  • WIBS –Talk
  • Wibsys
  • The WIBS Times
  • The WIBS Update
  • WIBS Words
  • Benefits Corner
  • Wordly WIBSA
  • Where in the World is WIBSA
  • Witty WIBSA
  • WIBSA WINS
  • Wisc WIBSA
  • WIBSA Works
  • Waking up with WIBSA (sent on Monday morning)
  • Ben’s Spectacle
  • WIBSA News
  • Friday – Party with WIBSA
  • News and Views

WIBSA Table Discussion – Question 6

What issues do you think WIBSA should advocate for? What is the best way for WIBSA to get input from the membership around advocacy efforts?

  • Disability Trust Fund may run out of money by the end of the year – informing consumers
  • Effect of WIOA on benefits (for adults)
  • State Family Care changes
  • Clarification needed – type of advocacy
  • Advocate for ourselves and our consumers
  • Systems advocacy for consumers (ex. MAPP)
  • Direct connection with Consortium
  • Removal of $2,000 asset limit
  • ABLE Act (DRW)
  • MAPP issues (DRW)
  • Certification/professionalization
  • Regulation
  • Industry standards
  • Tech spec changes
  • LTC benefits counseling purchasing
  • Long term Care – Survival participation, online discussion, sharing draft letters for state reps (collaborate on letters – google docs)
  • Increasing access w/DVR – consumer stories, marketing video – link to social media and websites
  • MAPP changes/advocacy- premium calculations and how unearned income is
  • ABLE
  • Advocating for tribal members
  • Initial State WIBS training
  • Access to benefits counseling (referred through DVR) and explain service
  • Those without benefits could be counseled on other benefits such as foodshare, WHEAP, and section 8/Low Income Housing
  • DVR to only refer to WIBSA
  • Ongoing Training
  • Advocate with the state Dept of Regulation and Licensing to create a license for Benefits Specialists
  • Best way to get input:
  • More frequent meetings
  • Email
  • Easier to get to discussion board
  • Workshop platform in person
  • Work groups
  • Attending WRC meetings
  • Attending WDA director quarterly/monthly meetings
  • Online survey
  • Discussion with local DVR office (liaison meetings)
  • Annual meeting (WIBSA)