Benefits Counselor Ticket to Work Program

Benefits:

• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Job Title: Benefits Counselor - Ticket to Work Program Type: Full time , 40 hours per week , Remote Location: New Jersey preferred, but willing to hire from other states Salary: Pay rate is based upon the completion of the Benefits Counseling Certification Program Trainee- $21/hour After receiving Certification - $23/hour. Those who are already certified - $25/hour

Summary

The Benefits Counselor provides individualized employment-related benefits advisement and planning to Social Security beneficiaries referred through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Medicaid, or the Ticket to Work (TTW) Program. This position plays a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue employment goals by helping them understand how income from work may affect their public benefits, including SSI, SSDI, CDB, Medicaid, Medicare, and state programs. This role works closely with TTW beneficiaries as well as consumers actively participating in Supported Employment (SE) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs. The Benefits Counselor is responsible for developing personalized Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) reports and collaborating with employment teams to ensure continuity of care and informed decision-making. This is a professional position that requires a strong understanding of SSA work incentives, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance autonomy with cross-team collaboration.

Benefits

Counseling & Work Incentive Planning

• Provide accurate, individualized advisement on how employment and earnings will affect public benefits, including:
• Social Security benefits (SSI, SSDI, CDB) & Medicare, Medicaid, and state-specific supports
• SNAP, housing, and other needs-based programs
• Deliver in-depth counseling to TTW beneficiaries, as well as individuals served through SE and Pre-ETS programs, in coordination with internal employment teams.
• Develop and present detailed Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) reports in alignment with agency and SSA standards.
• Apply and explain SSA work incentives (e.g., Trial Work Period, SGA, IRWE, PASS) tailored to each beneficiary’s situation.
• Support individuals in understanding income reporting, paystub tracking, and protections such as Expedited Reinstatement.
• Educate consumers on money management, self-advocacy, and employment-related decision-making
• Refer individuals to additional community resources as needed (e.g., housing, DDD, legal advocacy).
• Serve as a liaison to SSA, Medicaid, and other agencies for advocacy or clarification, when necessary.

Collaboration & Cross-Program Support

• Collaborate actively with TTW Program Specialists, SE Employment Counselors, and Pre-ETS Skills Trainers to ensure coordinated services and benefit-informed employment planning.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and collaborative planning sessions across departments.
• Share benefit updates and recommendations with employment staff to inform IPEs, job development, and support strategies.
• Represent the benefits counseling program at internal and external meetings, school transition events, and DVR discussions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation in SETWorks, including daily notes, BSAs, activity reports, calendars, and timecards.
• Ensure all case records meet HIPAA, SSA, DVR, and internal documentation standards.
• Track billable time, service units, and calendar compliance in accordance with agency policy.
• Always maintain confidentiality and data security in accordance with federal regulations.

Workload Management & Outreach

• Manage a personal caseload independently while knowing when to escalate for support.
• Provide outreach and education to consumers, families, and community partners about the role of benefits counseling.
• Attend trainings, outreach events, and SSA- or DVR-sponsored meetings to stay current on work incentive regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, counseling, rehabilitation, disability studies) or equivalent experience.
• Certification as a Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC) or Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP-C), or willingness to obtain within six months of hire.
• Ticket to Work Suitability clearance or ability to obtain it (includes federal background check and required SSA training).
• Strong knowledge of SSA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and related work incentives.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and familiarity with supported employment models.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and case management systems (e.g., SETWorks).
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record (if applicable).
• Successful completion of required background checks.

BENEFITS:

• PTO: 5 days per year (accrual-based)
• Mileage reimbursement for all work-related travel
• Paid training including College of Direct Support & Boggs Center Training
• Laptop and phone provided
• Supportive team
• Referral bonus opportunities

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