Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC)

Independent Living Inc•City of Newburgh, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The CWIC serves as a trusted resource, educator, and advocate, supporting beneficiaries as they pursue education, training, and employment goals.

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.