Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC)
About UsParaquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services partnerships, education, and advocacy.Position SummaryThe WIPA program provides individualized work incentives planning and assistance services that support Social Security disability beneficiaries to succeed in their return-to -work efforts. The Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) will provide in-depth personalized benefits analysis, customized counseling about the effect of work on all benefits, assistance resolving benefits issues, and support for beneficiaries to manage their benefits. CWICs also promote employment for individuals with disabilities by contributing to the additional statewide efforts to provide benefits planning.Key ResponsibilitiesBenefits Counseling:Conducts comprehensive intakes with beneficiaries to evaluate service eligibility and needs. Collects and verifies all federal, state, and local benefits received by beneficiaries. Analyses collected information to determine the effect of work on all benefits. Develops comprehensive customized Benefits Summary and Analysis reports to provide to beneficiaries. Uses multiple forms of communication to ensure that beneficiaries understand their analysis. Assists with identifying, developing, utilizing, and managing work incentives, resolving benefits issues, and learning to report income to SSA and other agencies. Assists with resolving barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment by making appropriate referrals and coordinating with the beneficiary's support team. Provides long-term follow-up services. Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders such as local SSA offices, Vocational Rehabilitation, employment support providers, and the Family Support Division. DocumentationMaintains thorough and clear case files and records all services and communications with or on behalf of beneficiaries. Ensures accurate entry of participant information and services provided as required by SSA. Complies with all SSA requirements for protecting and reporting loss of Personally Identifiable Information as well as HIPAA guidelines. MiscellaneousAssists in fulfilling outreach and education for WIPA program and Paraquad.Promotes Paraquad's mission, vision, and values and the Independent Living Philosophy in the community.Completes other duties as assigned. Demonstrates a commitment to providing equitable and accessible services.Required QualificationsEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree in a human services field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.2 years' experience working with individuals with disabilities. Skills And CompetenciesAbility to use a variety of formats to provide excellent, clear, and accessible communication to participants, co-workers, and community partners. Proficient in utilizing distance technology (zoom, Microsoft programs, secure file transfers, phone, fax etc.) to provide services, communicate with co-workers, and conduct outreach. Organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance and accuracy.Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to read and interpret policy manuals for government and non-government benefit programs.Desire and ability to be a team player who appreciates working in a collaborative environment.Certifications/LicensesCurrent CWIC certification is preferred or completion of provisional certification requirements within three months and full CWIC certification within one year.QualificationsComplete a minimum of 15 Continuing Certification Credits annually as required by SSA to maintain CWIC certification.Ability to obtain a moderate risk (Tier 2) suitability determination from SSA. Working ConditionsThe WIPA project serves beneficiaries five business days per week except for holidays. Flexible hours are permitted, and occasional evening or weekend availability is encouraged to support working beneficiaries.Prolonged sitting (6-8 hours/day) with short breaks for standing/walking.Occasional standing for meetings or equipment use.Light lifting (