Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC)

About the role

The Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) provides individualized work incentives planning and benefits advisement services to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities. This role focuses on promoting employment, increasing self-sufficiency, and helping individuals understand how work and earnings impact public benefits.

This role focuses on promoting employment, increasing self-sufficiency, and helping individuals understand how work and earnings impact public benefits. The CWIC serves as a trusted resource, educator, and advocate, supporting beneficiaries as they pursue education, training, and employment goals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive Work Incentives Planning and Benefits Advisement services that encourage employment and economic self-sufficiency.
• Educate beneficiaries on Social Security work incentives and benefit programs, including SSI income thresholds, Ticket to Work, Trial Work Period (TWP), Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).
• Assess the impact of wages and employment on public benefits and assist beneficiaries with financial planning related to work.
• Support individuals in addressing barriers related to employment, education, and job retention.
• Advocate on behalf of beneficiaries and coordinate with the Social Security Administration to resolve issues related to wage reporting and benefit adjustments.
• Guide beneficiaries in understanding their responsibilities regarding timely reporting of employment status and earnings to appropriate agencies.
• Maintain ongoing contact and provide continuous benefits planning support to individuals who are employed or actively pursuing employment.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with ACCESS-VR counselors and other community partners to facilitate referrals and coordinated service delivery.
• Utilize the ACCESS-VR AWARE Portal to manage referrals, documentation, authorizations, and related activities.
• Conduct orientations, trainings, and presentations related to Benefits Advisement and Social Security Work Incentives for consumers, families, educators, and community providers.
• Promote fee-for-service Benefits Advisement programs to increase community awareness and referral opportunities.
• Ensure timely completion of documentation, billing packets, reports, and program records in accordance with established deadlines and program requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to maintain CWIC certification and fulfill continuing education requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support program operations and organizational objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of public and private benefits programs available to individuals with disabilities.
• Strong understanding of advocacy principles and disability-related resources.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex benefits information and explain it clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to identify consumer needs and connect individuals with independent living and disability-related services.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Willingness to complete required background screening, including an FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Background Check.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) credential.
• Two (2) or more years of advocacy experience.
• Personal lived experience with disability.
• Experience collaborating with Social Security Administration staff, vocational rehabilitation programs, or other disability service providers.
• Experience delivering presentations or facilitating trainings for community audiences.
• A valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation to travel throughout the assigned four-county region.

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex benefits information and explain it clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of advocacy principles and disability-related resources.
• Knowledge of public and private benefits programs available to individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Willingness to complete required background screening, including an FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Background Check.

Benefits

• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity