Position: Work Incentives Counselor (BOND)
Supervised by: Senior Work Incentives Counselor (SWIC)
Status: Full and Part-time opportunities, non-exempt
Date posted: July 25, 2011
Closing date: Until Positions are filled
Location: South Alabama
How to Apply:
E-mail resume and cover letter describing relevant work experience to: laurati@bellsouth.net
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in psychology, vocational guidance, counseling, or related fields is desirable. . Could consider lesser education combined with related experience. Must possess excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, computer proficiency, ability to link consumers with employment opportunities, knowledge of disability, knowledge of SSDI, SSI, and federal work incentives, counseling and evaluation skills, knows how to maintain consumer files and confidential information, problem solving, organizational skills, mathematical calculation proficiency. Knowledge of independent living, vocational rehabilitation, employment and training is preferred; Bilingual/bicultural helpful. Individuals who have experience as consumers of disability-related services and in providing peer counseling, advocacy and support are encouraged to apply. Must have reliable transportation.
Essential functions of position:
The incumbent will provide Work Incentives Counseling (WIC) services to designated participants in the Benefits Offset National Demonstration (BOND) program, funded by SSA. The WIC will emphasize employment through the use of work incentives, leading to greater self-sufficiency by focusing on how to prepare for, find, and maintain employment. The WIC will refer to VR and Employment Networks. WIC will also provide information on the adequacy of health benefits coverage that may be offered by an employer of a beneficiary with a disability; the extent to which other health benefits coverage may be available to that beneficiary; and the availability of protection and advocacy services for beneficiaries with disabilities; and how to access such services. Must be able to present complex information effectively in person, on the telephone, and in writing to consumers, family members, and professionals. Extensive travel within area required.
Additional Knowledge and Skills Required:
• Experience in working with SSDI and SSI beneficiaries, including people with a wide range of mental and physical impairments
• Track record of being able to engage a diverse clientele in services
• Expertise in conducting intake assessment for people with disabilities
• 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.
Job duties include:
• Benefits planning and periodic follow-up to ensure information, analysis, and guidance are updated as new conditions arise for BOND participants.
• Preserve the random assignment status of BOND participants
• Professional Interviewing skills both over the phone and in person.
• Obtain and evaluate comprehensive information about beneficiaries with a disability.
• Understand the BOND benefit offset, SSA disability benefits, other federal and state benefits and associated work incentives and assess the potential impact of employment and/or other changes on a beneficiary's Federal and State benefits eligibility and overall financial well-being.
• Develop a comprehensive framework of possible options available to a beneficiary and projected results for each as part of a career development and employment process.
• Computer proficiency--use of various Microsoft Office products (WORD, Excel, and Access)
• Enter complete and accurate data into the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) data system or BOND Operations Data System
• Prepare a Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report for BOND participants
• Ensure confidentiality of all information provided.
• Provide benefits assistance, involving the delivery of information and direct supports for the purpose of assisting a beneficiary in dealing with benefit issues and effectively managing benefits. Involves information and referral and problem solving.
• Provide direct assistance to a beneficiary in the development of a comprehensive, long-term benefits management plan to guide the effective monitoring and management of Federal and State benefits and work incentives.
• Provide intensive assistance to beneficiaries, their key stakeholders, and support teams in making informed choices and establish choices and establishing both employment related goals as well as needed benefits management supports.
• Advocate on behalf of a beneficiary with other agencies and programs.
• Provide time-limited follow-up assistance as needed to beneficiaries who have previously received benefits planning and/or other types of assistance services.
• Assist beneficiaries as needed to update benefits management plan.
• Provide ongoing comprehensive benefits monitoring and management assistance to beneficiaries who are likely to experience employment.
• Public speaking ability--the ability to present information in public forums and conduct and organize training events to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries and professional partners.
• To participate in initial training program and on-going training.
• Maintain consumer files and collect data as required by Center and Social Security Administration. Produce reports as required.
- NOTE: Applicants will be required initially to participate and complete a rigorous five day training (Location ) to be decided and complete certification process through the Social Security Administration Technical Assistance Contractor. Continued employment beyond initial training and certification process is contingent upon successful completion and certification by SSA as a Work Incentive Counselor (WIC). Trained, certified WIC's may be required by SSA cooperative agreement to participate in ongoing training activities after initial certification and throughout employment. Additionally, the applicant selected will be subject to initial and periodic SSA security clearance and background checks.
Applicants must be available for immediate employment (by at least 8/22/11).
