Address
Form of work
SalaryBenefits & Options Counselor
Description
Reporting to the Operations Director, the Benefits & Options Counselor primarily assists and coaches individuals with disabilities seeking or currently receiving Social Security benefits using a multi-faceted approach to reduce and eliminate barriers to financial independence. Secondarily, the Benefits & Options Counselor assists adults with disabilities maintain their independence in a home of their choosing or works to transition them from an institutional setting to a community-based setting by creating person centered plans and maximizing personal and community resources.
Essential Functions
- Provide Benefits Planning Services to assist individuals to make informed decisions about work. Identify and verify existing benefits, services and supports received; Inform individual of the impact of working on each benefit they receive
- Assist individuals with the application process for all government programs including Social Security, Bridge Card, Medicaid and other cost savings program
- Provide Information and Referral Services as needed
- Assist individuals of working age to remove barriers to employment
- Assist individuals with reaching their desired level of independence by supporting them in setting and achieving goals; facilitating change through removal of personal and systemic barriers
- Utilize the evidence-based practice of Motivational Interviewing to deliver comprehensive IL services
- Utilize a person center planning approach addressing issues such as benefits counseling, vocational readiness, support service coordination, and IL skill development
- Develop seamless, comprehensive, and integrated services, remove barriers and expand capacity to serve people with disabilities, and document systemic barriers/accessibility issues.
- Work with local and statewide groups in data collection, reports, analysis and recommending local and statewide resolutions
- Utilize a specialized computer program to document individual and community work.
- Complete reports that can be lengthy and general notes in a professional, accurate and non-judgmental manner
- Gather data needed for grant reporting purposes
- Maintain positive working relationships with referring agencies
- Track authorization dates and ensure work is completed in the intended time frame
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service or related field required. Master’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
- Formal training and/or experience as a Work Incentive Practitioner or Benefits Counselor (will consider training the right candidate)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor preferred
- A minimum of two years human service experience, preferable assisting individuals seeking employment.
- Ability to plan and implement goals and objectives to achieve outcomes
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and direction
- Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written formats
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners
- Ability to multi-task, strong attention to detail, and capacity to problem-solve
- Spanish language fluency will be considered an asset
- Personal experience with a disability and/or knowledge of disability related issues
DNL Mission
Connecting people with disabilities to resources and opportunities while building communities where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong.
Compensation
$45,000-$55,000 plus benefits. The need for required training will be considered for starting salary.
No telephone inquiries please.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Weekly day range:
- Monday to Friday
Work setting:
- Hybrid work
Application Question(s):
- Do you have personal experience with disability and or knowledge of disability issues?
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Human Services: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Holland, MI 49423
