Community Counselor

An employee in this classification, under the supervision of the Community Inclusion Director or designee, provides benefits analysis and work incentives planning and assistance to people with disabilities.

• Monitors activities to ensure compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, laws, policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Obtains and evaluates comprehensive information about individuals with a disability, including background information, disability, educational and vocational background, employment and earnings, resources, federal, state, and local benefits, health insurance, work expenses, work incentives, and services and supports.
• Emphasize employment using benefits planning and work incentives, leading to greater self-sufficiency.
• Completes a written analysis for individuals with disabilities to assess the potential impact of employment and other changes on an individual’s benefits eligibility and overall financial well-being.
• Presents detailed information and assists the individual to understand and assess the potential impact of employment or changes in life situation on their benefits and overall financial well-being.
• Provides ongoing assistance in the development of a comprehensive, long-term work plan to guide individuals in the effective use of work incentives.
• Provides long-term work incentives management on a scheduled, long-term basis.
• Assists individuals to update work incentives management plans throughout their employment.
• Works with federal, state, and private agencies/nonprofit organizations that serve individuals with disabilities with an emphasis on the Social Security Administration and Job & Family Services.
• Maintains effective and ongoing communication with community organizations.
• Maintains knowledge of and have an ability to interpret federal, state, and local laws and regulations about public benefits.
• Serves as a resource for the Board with expertise in disability benefits and their impact on work. Develops and maintains a database to track individuals and services provided.
• This position will require evenings, weekends, and locations convenient for individuals and families.

• Ability to promote an inclusive environment for all board staff, individuals served, families, and providers.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to understand and interpret legal concepts and documents.
• Ability to assist individuals with disabilities to overcome personal and external barriers to employment.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships.
• Adherence to the principles of good management practices as outlined in the "Expectations for Effective Leadership and Management Practices."
• Basic math skills with an emphasis on problem solving, deductive ability with analytical thinking and creative critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated skill in word processing and spreadsheet software applications.
• Effective organizational and responsive communication skills.
• Effectively presents complex information in person, over the telephone, and via email to individuals, family members, and team members.
• Effective facilitation, training, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge and ability to operate personal computer, applications software, and basic office equipment.
• Knowledge of Social Security disability programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience with gathering and analyzing data, conducting assessments, and writing reports required.
• One (1) year experience with basic program applications including database management software, and Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience providing service coordination for or working with individuals with DD preferred.

• Valid Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Certification as issued by DODD.
• Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) Certification by the end of probation.

• Requires passing intermediate Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency test

Our organization is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. To support this, we have established a drug-free workplace policy that prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or influence of illegal drugs and controlled substances. This policy extends to all substances, including but not limited to, medical and recreational cannabis regardless of state legal status.

We are an equal opportunity employer. If in need of ADA accommodations, contact us directly at .