Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC)

About Us

Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services partnerships, education, and advocacy.

Position Summary:

The 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 Responsibilities:

Benefits 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.

Documentation:

• Maintains 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.

Miscellaneous:

• Assists 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 Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years' experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability 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/Licenses:

• Current CWIC certification is preferred or completion of provisional certification requirements within three months and full CWIC certification within one year.

Qualifications:

• Complete 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 Conditions:

• The 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 (<10-15 lbs) of files, laptops, or supplies.
• Repetitive hand/wrist motions (typing, mouse, handling documents).
• Office: Indoor, climate-controlled, ergonomic furniture, moderate noise from conversations/equipment.

EEO Statement:

Paraquad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual's sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment- fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our employees proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve.

Accommodation: If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact Barb Cant at 314-289-4200 or

bcant@paraquad.org

Employee Certification

This job description is not intended to cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Additionally, this job description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the company may exercise its employment-at-will right at any time.

I have read and understand the requirements of the job for which I have applied. I can meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

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