Reports to: / WIPA Project Coordinator
Revised Date: / April 2018
Classification: / Non-Exempt
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO),Oregon's Protection and Advocacy System for individuals with disabilities, is hiring an additional Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) position to be part of the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project team. The CWIC will provide counseling and support to individuals receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who want to work.
About DRO
DRO is a non-profit law office providing legal advocacy services statewide to Oregonians with disabilities. Services include legal advice and representation, intake and referral, outreach, training and public policy advocacy. DRO has 25 staff members including attorneys, advocates, intake specialists, administrators, and support personnel.
About the WIPA Project
The WIPA project is funded by SSA to provide no cost supports and services to beneficiaries who want to work,so they can make informed decisions about working, and have a successful transition to the workforce. DRO’s WIPA program serves all of Oregon and ten counties in Washington. For over fifteen years, DRO has provided direct service to beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI seeking to increase their financial independence and stability through employment.
A good candidate will possess passion to assist beneficiaries in making informed decisions, an ability to do technical research and analyze complex information, an interest in ongoing learning, and awareness of the specific issues and concerns people with disabilities have about employment. The CWIC’s work includes phone consultations, research, compiling reports, and some travel throughout the service area to do delivery services.
Position responsibilities include:
- Benefits planning and assistance to clients: in person, on the phone, and via distance communication technologies.
- Provide beneficiaries with accurate, understandable information about work incentives and related employment issues, facilitating use of Social Security work incentives, and prepare accurate and detailed reports regarding a beneficiary’s status.
- Counsel beneficiaries and educate them about the effect of work on these benefits and supports, and assist beneficiaries to identify additional benefits, services, and supports necessary to facilitate successful employment.
- Research applicable regulations to determine applicability in individual cases.
- Complete the SSA CWIC training and certification; attend other trainings as required.
- Carry out comprehensive data collection, tracking, and follow up; including database entry and monthly reporting.
- Conduct outreach regarding disability benefits and work incentives.
Minimum qualifications:
- General understanding and interest in Social Security disability benefits, public assistance, or public healthcare programs.
- Ability to communicate technical information in an understandable manner.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural relevancy, diversity, and inclusion.
- Computer literate and proficient using all Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint) as well as Word Processing; Spreadsheet; and Database software.
- Ability to maintain timely documentation with careful attention to detail and data entry accuracy.
- Effective interpersonal and organizational skills.
- College degree, graduate degree preferred.
- Ability to attend and to successfully complete SSA training and certification.
- Ability to pass a high level of Security Clearance from the Federal government, which includes an interview with a Private Investigator.
- Fluency in Spanish is required.
- Strongest consideration will be given to candidates with experience working with people with disabilities, experience with Social Security, and/or experiencewith public benefits in Oregon and Washington.
COMPENSATION AND HOURS
This is a full-time position (35 hours per week, 1.0 FTE). DRO’s salary range for this position is approximately $30,000 - $40,000.Starting salary will be based on number of years of relevant experience, in accordance with DRO policies.This position also includes benefits and paid time off.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a letter of interest, a copy of your resume, and a completed application form (available at First round of applications will be reviewed by May 11, 2018. Position is open until filled. Applications must be received by email at.If you need to submit your application in an alternate format, please contact us at or 503-243-2081.
April 2018