Position Title: Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) / Benefits counselor

Reports To: Day-to-day direction provided by ABIL VP / Advocacy Program Director and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Project Director.

Salary: $30,000 – 35,000,

Status: Full-time, Temporary (18 – 24 months) Exempt, Full Benefits. Some travel required. 

Closing Date: Prefer to hire by September 30, 2011, however position remains open until filled by qualified applicant.

To Apply: Email cover letter and resume to aminak@abil.org.  Please reference “CWIC position” in the subject line of your email.

Position Summary: This position is a full-time, temporary position to address the work flow needs of a contract with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).  The employee will provide Work Incentive benefits analysis, planning, and assistance to beneficiaries receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSI & SSDI) that are working or seeking employment.  The CWIC does not address employment directly, instead focusing on the implications of employment rather than how to prepare for, find, and maintain employment.  The CWIC works one-on-one (by phone and in person) with beneficiaries to help them understand and comply with SSA rules.  He/she also makes appropriate referrals to support the beneficiary’s employment goals.  Provides group presentations to beneficiaries, service providers and community groups to educate them about the SSA Work Incentives including the Ticket to Work; travels throughout Maricopa, Pinal and Gila Counties to conduct the above services; helps to develop related educational materials. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide work incentives counseling services to support employment outcomes for SSA beneficiaries with disabilities ages 16 to 64.
   
   
2. Enter complete and accurate data into the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) data system.  Keeps accurate case notes on activities and completes monthly reports summarizing activity.
   
   
3. Understand SSA disability benefits and other federal and state benefits/ programs, the implication of earned income on those programs, associated work incentives, and can communicate their understanding to a diverse group.
   
   
4. Prepare a written Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) explanation for beneficiaries and Work Incentive Plans.  
   
   
5. Provide health insurance planning and counseling.
   
   
6. Partner with community agencies to raise awareness of the economic benefit to employment for persons with disabilities and promote the WIPA program.
   
   
7. Conduct quality assurance/continuous quality improvement activities.
   
   
8. Collaborate with and refer beneficiaries to employment partners to address their employment issues.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Experience in working with SSDI and SSI beneficiaries, including people with a wide range of mental and physical disabilities.
  
  
• A track record of being able to engage a diverse clientele in services.
  
  
• Expertise in conducting intake assessment for people with disabilities, understanding of and working with a range of government regulations.
  
  
• Ability to do basic arithmetic computations to calculate benefits and work incentives.
  
  
• Experience using person-centered and self-directed approaches; understanding of the principles of consumer empowerment and control
  
  
• Knowledge of local labor markets, employment services, and employment-related service delivery systems for people with disabilities.
  
  
• Bilingual English / Spanish written and oral skills.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in health, social work, social science or a closely related field.  Equivalent of 6 years education and experience may also be considered.  Experience in event recruitment and course facilitation a must.  Selected applicants are subject to, and must pass a full background check.

Working Conditions:

Work schedule requires flexibility and is dependent upon program needs.  Work is typically performed in an office environmentally controlled setting.  Tasks are occasionally performed for sustained periods outdoors and occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather.  The position may occasionally require traveling out of area and working flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.

ABIL is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce and sustaining a work environment that is inclusive. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities. ABIL is a fragrance free environment. Please do not wear scented products like perfume to our facility out of consideration for persons with allergies and chemical sensitivities.    

Date Revised: 9/11