Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC)

Description

Do you enjoy helping individuals become self-sufficient? If so, the Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) maybe a great fit for you.  

Independent Living, Inc., is a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region. As a Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC), you’ll provide advisement services leading to greater self-sufficiency and employment of those who live with disabilities. Must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, be willing to maintain the CWIC certification, working knowledge of working with persons with disabilities, and a familiarity with public and private benefits programs for people with disabilities. Having your own personal lived experience with a disability is desired.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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:

? Benefits and wage earnings and effects on financial planning

? Education on SSI Income thresholds

? Ticket to Work 

? TWP (Trial Work Period)

? SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)

? PASS plans (Plan for Achieving Self Support)

? Eligibility for IRWE (Impairment Related Work Expense) 

• 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.

PAY RATE:

• $22.55/hr - $23.37/hr

SHIFT: 

• Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm.

BENEFITS:

• 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

Requirements

• 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, preferr