Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor
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. The role combines benefits advocacy with vocational counseling. Training will be provided to qualified individuals to become certified as a Work Incentives Specialist Advocate. Under the Work Incentives Specialist Advocacy (WISA) Program, the position provides benefits planning to clients served in The Choice Group’s vocational and Ticket to Work programs and develops collaborative relationships with DARS and DBVI field offices. The position also supports individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment in the community through individualized 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 and 4 years of experience; or a high school diploma and 10 years of related experience.
- Experience working with people with disabilities.
- Computer skills and time-management skills.
- Ability to work a varying schedule.
- Detail orientation and 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.
- Community Partner certification.
- Bilingual skills or American Sign Language (ASL) skills; candidates with these skills are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Provide benefits planning services to 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 support 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.
- Develop individualized job opportunities by making employer connections in the community.
- Provide hands-on training to clients at job sites.
- Help clients build 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
