Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor

THE CHOICE GROUP•Fairfax, VA

About The Position

The Choice Group is seeking a Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor to provide benefits planning and vocational counseling services to people with disabilities. Training will be provided to qualified individuals to become certified as a Work Incentives Specialist Advocate. The role supports clients in making informed choices about employment, earnings, and financial independence, as well as obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment in the community. Under the Work Incentives Specialist Advocacy (WISA) Program, the advocate provides benefits planning to clients in The Choice Group’s vocational and Ticket to Work programs and develops collaborative relationships with DARS and DBVI field offices. The vocational counseling component includes individualized job coaching, employment preparation, job development, on-site training, and support for successful job placement and retention. The position also requires communication with referral sources, team members, and supervisory staff, along with accurate documentation.

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 and 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 and the ability to 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 candidates are encouraged to apply.
ASL candidates are encouraged to apply.

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 WISA 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.
Help clients prepare resumes, complete job applications, and prepare for interviews.
Build employer connections in the community through individualized job development.
Support clients at job sites and provide hands-on training.
Help clients develop workplace readiness skills, including communication, time management, and professionalism.
Collaborate with employers to support successful job placements and retention.
Track client progress and maintain accurate documentation.