Job Description:

TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers, Inc./ The Outcomes Service in Rockville, MD is seeking a Certified Benefits Counselor/Work Incentives Counselor to work part-time remotely approximately 10-20 hours a week. Hours are flexible. TLC affiliate of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN). EOE

We are a non-profit organization based in Rockville; MD committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Social Security benefits. Our team is dedicated to empowering participants to make informed decisions to secure their financial future. We serve Ticket to Work beneficiaries in the DMV area and West Virginia bordering the DMV.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Practitioner to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Social Security regulations, policies, and procedures to assist participants in optimizing their benefits while increasing financial independence and self-sufficiency.

The ideal candidate will be a current Certified Work Incentives Practitioner (C-WIP), Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) or Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC) and have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience ideally serving individuals in some or all the DMV area.

Pay rate of $25 per hour

Responsibilities of the Work Incentives Counselor:

• Speak with individuals receiving Social Security Benefits (SSDI and/or SSI) and discuss benefits they are receiving, their employment goals and impact of employment income on all public and/or private benefits they receive
• Conduct thorough assessments of participants’ financial situations and goals
• Provide individual guidance on Social Security benefits strategies tailored to each participant’s needs
• Analyze participants’ earnings records and eligibility for various Social Security benefits programs
• Prepare accurate and detailed written Benefits Summary and Analysis following SSA and ADEN guidelines
• Assist participants with reporting wages to SSA and other public agencies
• Educate clients on the implications of their benefit decisions, including tax considerations and long-term financial planning

Experience and Skills:

Requirements of the benefits counselor:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, psychology, counseling, disability studies or related field
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree five years professional experience providing employment services and working directly with Social Security benefits administration or related financial advisory services
• Current Certified Work Incentives Practitioner (C-WIP), Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) or Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC) from an approved SSA program and meet all ADEN requirements for benefits and work incentives advisement.
• In-depth knowledge of Social Security laws, regulations, and procedures
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, such as Microsoft Excel and Social Security Administration online tools
• Candidates must be detail-oriented, self-motivated and be proficient with computers

Job Benefits:

Benefits for the Work Incentives Counselor:

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance
• Longevity bonus

From: TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers, Inc.