Community Counselor; CWIC

Job Summary

The Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) provides work incentives planning and assistance to beneficiaries who receive Social Security Disability Benefits. The CWIC is responsible for counseling and educating beneficiaries about how employment will affect their current benefits (which may include public and private health insurance, federal, state, and/or local benefits received) so that individuals may make informed choices towards employment and self-sufficiency.

This job requires knowledge of disabilities and/or social and economic disadvantages and the ability to communicate complex federal and state regulations applicable to Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, and Medicaid to beneficiaries.

Assist Clients – 65%

• Conduct intakes and provide Information & Referral (I&R) services to beneficiaries.
• Obtain and evaluate information about a beneficiary.
• Maintain a full caseload of referred clients.
• Educate beneficiaries on the potential impacts of employment and the work incentives that are available.
• Develop Individualized Benefits Summary & Analysis reports, Work Incentives Plans, and other correspondence.
• Deliver follow‑along services to help beneficiaries manage their benefits, report income, and access available work incentives.
• Update work plans and benefits summary and analysis conduct regular reviews of client outcomes and modify plans as needed.

Support Services – 30%

• Assess collected documentation for accuracy.
• Analyze documentation to determine the potential impact of employment on benefits.
• Maintain communication with Social Security Administration personnel and other local and state agencies.
• Input beneficiary information into National WIPA Database.
• Maintain files and electronic records per federal requirements including status regarding clients served.
• Submit regular status reports to include clients serviced, services delivered, outreach activities, etc.

Outreach / Training – 5%

• Prepare materials, connect with community groups, advocates, and others.
• Maintain ongoing close contact with the SSA personnel including PASS Cadres, Claims Representatives, Work Incentives Liaisons (WILs), and Area Work Incentive Coordinators (AWICs).
• Refer beneficiaries to the helpline.

• Maintain confidentiality of information and materials at the highest standards.
• Conduct all activities in a positive, professional manner and maintain a strong teambuilding environment among staff members and beneficiaries.
• Adhere to all Lighthouse Louisiana policies and procedures as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.