Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC)

Job Type

• Emphasize employment through delivery of Work Incentives Planning and Benefits Advisement services, leading to greater self-sufficiency and employment for beneficiaries with disabilities.
• Assess and advise beneficiaries regarding the following:

• Assist beneficiaries with disabilities to resolve problems related to work efforts, higher education and work attainment/continuation of work.
• Support beneficiaries and liaison with Social Security Administration on incorrect pay backs due to incorrect wage adjustments and entries through SSA.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with ACCESS-VR (A-VR) counselors and staff to promote collaborative work.
• Support beneficiaries in making informed choices concerning benefits available, benefits received and other incentives available during education, training and employment.
• Educate beneficiaries on their responsibilities on communication and reporting work status and wages to appropriate agencies
• Ensure initial contact with referrals within three (3) business days.
• Follow outline of Best Practices for engagement with beneficiaries.
• Utilize the AV-R AWARE Portal to access referrals, and navigate needed documents, authorizations and other activities via the Portal.
• Submit all prior month’s 175X Benefits Advisement Billing documents and back up to Director by the 10th of each month. Ensure all billable packets are signed and uploaded correctly.
• Report to Director at least monthly on open referrals and activities to address.
• Submit monthly Program Report to Director by the 8th of each month.
• Maintain positive relationship with Social Security Office staff to ensure support for programing.
• Provide ongoing work incentives planning, monitoring and assistance to beneficiaries who are employed or seeking employment on a scheduled, continuous basis.
• Conduct AV-R orientation presentations as needed virtually and in person.
• Make presentations about Benefits Advisement, and Social Security Work Incentives to audiences of consumers, generic and specialized providers, family members and educators. Travel as required within a four-County Region.
• Market Independent Living, Inc.’s (ILI’s) fee for service benefits advisement services in order to expand the number of A-VR counselors who make referrals to our agency.
• Completes all reporting and record keeping within required timeframes.
• Maintain and attend ongoing trainings for Continuing Education Units CEUs and Certified Work Incentive Coordinator CWIC training requirements.
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

• $22.55/hr - $23.37/hr

• Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, required.
• A minimum of one year of experience in working with persons with disabilities, and a familiarity with public and private benefits programs for people with disabilities.
• Personal experience with disability is desirable.
• Advocacy of two or more years, preferred.
• Current status as certified CWIC, preferred. If not certified, must be willing to complete training courses to become certified within three months of hire.
• Must maintain CWIC status.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Undergo FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Background Check.