Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor

THE CHOICE GROUP•Woodbridge, VA

About The Position

The Choice Group is seeking a Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor to help people with disabilities make informed choices about employment, earnings, and financial independence. Training will be provided for qualified candidates to become certified as a Work Incentives Specialist Advocate. The position combines benefits planning with vocational counseling and employment support. The successful candidate will have human services experience, attention to detail, and a passion for working with people with disabilities. Under the Work Incentives Specialist Advocacy (WISA) Program, the role provides benefits-planning services to clients in The Choice Group’s vocational and Ticket to Work programs and develops collaborative relationships with DARS and DBVI field offices. As a Vocational Counselor, the role supports individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment in the community through job coaching, job development, workplace training, and employment-retention support.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2 years of experience; or an associate’s degree (or equivalent credits) in a related field plus 4 years of experience; or a high school diploma and 10 years of related experience.
Experience working with people with disabilities.
Self-starter with computer and time-management skills who can work a varying schedule.
Detail-oriented, with strong time-management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.

Nice To Haves

WISA certification through Cornell University or VCU-WIPA and Community Partner certification; preferred but not required.
Bilingual ability or American Sign Language (ASL) skills; candidates are encouraged to apply.
Familiarity with Social Security and/or Medicaid benefits.

Responsibilities

Provide benefits-planning services for clients in The Choice Group’s vocational and Ticket to Work programs.
Develop, manage, and maintain collaborative relationships with DARS and DBVI field offices to maximize the effectiveness of the WISA program and services.
Maintain proactive written, oral, and electronic communication with referral sources, the team, and supervisory staff.
Provide one-on-one job coaching and guidance to clients seeking employment.
Assist clients with resume building, job applications, and interviews.
Make employer connections in the community through individualized job development.
Support clients at job sites by providing hands-on training.
Help clients develop workplace readiness skills, including communication, time management, and professionalism.
Collaborate with employers to support successful job placement and retention.
Track client progress and maintain accurate documentation.