Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) in Newburgh, New York at Independent Living Inc

Title: Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC)

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Director Family and Employment Services

Base Location: Newburgh

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $23.37/hr

About Independent Living, Inc.

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley of New York. Following the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives to the services we provide.

ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc

Why Work with Us?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non-visible disabilities
• Empower individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions about employment and financial independence through expert benefits guidance.
• Build meaningful partnerships with community organizations, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and the Social Security Administration to improve outcomes for those we serve.
• Expand your expertise through ongoing professional development, including maintaining nationally recognized CWIC certification and continuing education opportunities.

About the Role

The Benefits Advisement/Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) provides individualized work incentives planning and benefits advisement services to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities. This role focuses on promoting employment, increasing self-sufficiency, and helping individuals understand how work and earnings impact public benefits. The CWIC serves as a trusted resource, educator, and advocate, supporting beneficiaries as they pursue education, training, and employment goals.

What You'll Do

• Deliver comprehensive Work Incentives Planning and Benefits Advisement services that encourage employment and economic self-sufficiency.
• Educate beneficiaries on Social Security work incentives and benefit programs, including SSI income thresholds, Ticket to Work, Trial Work Period (TWP), Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).
• Assess the impact of wages and employment on public benefits and assist beneficiaries with financial planning related to work.
• Support individuals in addressing barriers related to employment, education, and job retention.
• Advocate on behalf of beneficiaries and coordinate with the Social Security Administration to resolve issues related to wage reporting and benefit adjustments.
• Guide beneficiaries in understanding their responsibilities regarding timely reporting of employment status and earnings to appropriate agencies.
• Maintain ongoing contact and provide continuous benefits planning support to individuals who are employed or actively pursuing employment.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with ACCESS-VR counselors and other community partners to facilitate referrals and coordinated service delivery.
• Utilize the ACCESS-VR AWARE Portal to manage referrals, documentation, authorizations, and related activities.
• Conduct orientations, trainings, and presentations related to Benefits Advisement and Social Security Work Incentives for consumers, families, educators, and community providers.
• Promote fee-for-service Benefits Advisement programs to increase community awareness and referral opportunities.
• Ensure timely completion of documentation, billing packets, reports, and program records in accordance with established deadlines and program requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to maintain CWIC certification and fulfill continuing education requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support program operations and organizational objectives.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of public and private benefits programs available to individuals with disabilities.
• Strong understanding of advocacy principles and disability-related resources.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex benefits information and explain it clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to identify consumer needs and connect individuals with independent living and disability-related services.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Willingness to complete required background screening, including an FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Background Check.

It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have

• Current Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) credential.
• Two (2) or more years of advocacy experience.
• Personal lived experience with disability.
• Experience collaborating with Social Security Administration staff, vocational rehabilitation programs, or other disability service providers.
• Experience delivering presentations or facilitating trainings for community audiences.
• A valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation to travel throughout the assigned four-county region.

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Timely engagement with referrals, including initiating contact within three (3) business days.
• Accurate and effective delivery of benefits advisement services that support informed decision-making and employment outcomes.
• Positive relationships and ongoing collaboration with beneficiaries, ACCESS-VR counselors, Social Security staff, and community partners.
• Consistent achievement of documentation, billing, and reporting requirements within established deadlines.
• Increased beneficiary understanding of work incentives, reporting responsibilities, and available supports.
• Maintenance of CWIC certification requirements and commitment to continuous professional growth.
• A measurable contribution toward improving employment opportunities, financial stability, and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits available to you include

• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

We actively support an inclusive hiring process and encourage people with disabilities, visible and non-visible, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application or onboarding process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.

ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/