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GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the general direction of the Director of Work Without Limits or designee,, the Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) Project Coordinator works within the Work Without Limits Benefits Counseling team to provide accurate information to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries about work incentives programs that can enable them to make informed choices about work and training. 

All CWIC's must demonstrate completion of required training, become provisionally certified and pass SSA security clearance within 3 months of hire. 

We are looking to expand our team of benefits specialists as we expand our services from six counties in Massachusetts to seven additional counties in western New York. The person who fills this position may provide services in MA and or NY. The majority of services are provided telephonically.

This is a part-time position - 24 hours/week 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with executing the marketing/outreach plan that will target beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI including people from diverse mult-cultural communities and non-native English speakers, families, service providers, multi-cultural organizations, and school-to-career programs.
• Prepare and disseminate information on federal and state work incentives to targeted customers/audiences.
• Provide an in-depth assessment of a beneficiary’s situation and provide counseling on the impact of employment and/or changes on an individual’s federal or state benefits eligibility.
• Provide guidance in making informed choices about working and training.
• Screen and refer beneficiaries to appropriate Employment Networks under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work program based on the beneficiaries expressed needs and goals.
• Provide general information on the adequacy of health benefits coverage that may be offered by an employer and the extent to which other benefits coverage may be available in coordination with Medicare and/or Medicaid.
• Advise beneficiaries on the availability of Protection and Advocacy services.
• Work cooperatively with SSA, federal, state, local and private agencies and other nonprofit organizations that serve beneficiaries including but not limited to Employment Networks.
• Utilize the resources of the One-Stop Career Centers such as training or employment services to assist the beneficiary in career exploration and making informed choices about training and employment.
• Develop a benefit and employment plan that will include the long-term supports needed to achieve the beneficiary’s employment goal.
• Provide support in dealing with benefits issues as they arise.
• Advocate with other agencies and programs on behalf of the beneficiary.
• Provide follow-up assistance, and track the beneficiary’s progress before, during, and after employment.
• Provide information, referral, and problem solving as needed to assist with job retention.
• Conduct educational presentations on federal and state public benefits and related work incentives to beneficiaries, family members, service providers, and state agencies;
• Conduct presentations to disability employment service provider staff on available services and federal and state public benefits and related work incentives;
• Support and actively contribute to the business development efforts of the Work Without Limits and BenePLAN teams to generate business revenue for the unit.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors Degree in a related field and three (3) years experience in case management, job placement, or vocational counseling; in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, a combination of education and relevant experience may be substituted;
• Basic math skills, with an emphasis on problem solving;
• Outstanding interpersonal, counseling and evaluation skills;
• Computer proficiency including the ability to manage case files and information electronically;
• Demonstrated ability at linking individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities, services and/or resources;
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative code about public benefits;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills and the ability to translate technical information for lay individuals;
• Strong organizational and leadership skills;
• Knowledge of terminology used to describe certain disabilities and awareness of cultural and political issues pertaining to various populations and to various disabilities;
• Knowledge of SSDI and SSI disability programs and federal, state, and local work incentives programs
• The ability to recognize when additional information is needed and access needed information including but not limited to information on Employment Networks
• Knowledge of SSA field office structure and how to work with SSA work incentives specialists
• Knowledge of ethics

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently.
• Experience working with people from diverse multi-cultural and socioeconomic communities. 

Applicants must include a cover letter, as a writing sample, to express interest in the position. 

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Long-distance travel may include the attendance at up to one national conference per year.
• If not already certified as a CWIC, the candidate will be required to attend a 5-day training on Social Security’s rules and regulations regarding state and federal regulations relating to the Ticket to Work and become provisionally certified within 3 months of hire.  This training may take place out of state and will be offered as soon as possible after start date typically within the first few weeks.
• All CWIC’s must pass SSA security clearance.