Work Incentives Benefits Specialist

Employment Resources•Madison, WI

About The Position

Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is seeking a Benefits Specialist to help people with disabilities understand how work and other life changes may affect their benefits. This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys helping people solve problems, explain complicated information in understandable ways, and make informed choices about employment and benefits. Benefits Specialists work directly with people with disabilities to provide individualized benefits counseling, information, and support. You will help people understand programs such as Social Security disability benefits, health care coverage, and other public benefits, including how employment and earnings may affect those benefits. ERI provides specialized training and ongoing support. We are looking for someone who is comfortable learning detailed information and helping people understand how it applies to their individual circumstances.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Enjoys working directly with people and helping them understand their options.
Can learn detailed and sometimes complex program rules.
Communicates clearly in writing and conversation.
Strong organization and follow-through skills.
Can manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
Uses good judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
Can work effectively with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
Comfortable using computers and learning new software.
Can maintain confidential information and high professional standards.
Must complete and maintain required training, certifications, and security clearances related to the programs they support.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of public benefit programs, disability services, employment services, or community resources is helpful.
Specialized benefits counseling experience is not required if you are interested and able to learn.

Responsibilities

Meet with people with disabilities to learn about their goals, benefits, employment, and support needs.
Explain benefits and work incentive rules in clear, practical language.
Help people understand how working or increasing their earnings may affect their benefits.
Provide individualized information and written benefits guidance.
Communicate with Social Security, state and local agencies, service providers, and other partners when needed.
Connect people with additional programs, services, and community resources.
Help clients understand their options and identify next steps.
Provide follow-up support as appropriate.
Maintain accurate and timely case notes and other required documentation.
Develop expertise in benefits counseling and serve as a resource to ERI staff and community partners.
Participate in training, outreach, and professional development activities.
Maintain program quality standards, confidentiality, security, and privacy requirements.