Manager of Benefits Planning

Supervisory responsibilities: CWICS working on the WIPA project.

Provide information, referral, and advocacy services to individuals with disabilities who are looking for work and who are receiving disability benefits from Social Security. Provide work incentives counseling individuals with disabilities receiving state benefits who are looking for work or who are working and trying to navigate the benefits/entitlements systems. Participate in economic development outreach activities for members of the general community, service providers, community organizations, and individuals with disabilities and family members. Provide support to the CED team and the GSIL organization.

*Preference to applicants with a current CWIC certification or previous certification and working experience of 5 years or more in the role.*

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Provide information and referral services to members of the general community: service providers, community organizations, individuals with disabilities and families about available work incentives for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, medical coverage options (including NH Medicaid programs), subsidized housing options, and state benefits.
• Provide supervision of CWIC(s) working on the WIPA project.
• Participate in monthly supervision and TA sessions with VCU and other regional WIPA project managers.
• Monitor and obtain clarification on contract and funding issues for WIPA project.
• Collect and submit required paperwork to Social Security Administration as required.
• Conduct timely intakes to ascertain facts about beneficiary issues, provide accurate information, and counsel individuals about how earnings from employment will affect their SSI and/or SSDI work incentives and state benefits programs (especially medical coverage).
• Provide in-depth benefits analysis services for NH Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) fee-for-service and referrals with the development of a comprehensive Benefits Summary and Analysis and Work Incentives Plan.
• Refer job searching beneficiaries to community partner organizations such as NH Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Employment Networks (ENs), New Hampshire Works/One-Stop Career Center/Unemployment Office, etc.
• Provide on-going financial counseling follow-up services to all beneficiaries, with priority going to those who are employed or have a job offer pending.
• Interpret Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and administrative code about public benefits.
• • Advocate nationally and locally for the advancement of employment services and programs for people with disabilities.

  Competencies

  • Ability to manage beneficiary case files and information electronically protecting all PHI.
  • Maintain knowledge of Ticket to Work and other employment support programs.
  • Support and uphold GSIL policies and procedures, workplace regulations and safety practices.
  • Exceptional judgment and creativity are regularly required to evaluate results and make decisions.
  • Share newsworthy information appropriately throughout the department and organization.

  Physical/Mental demands

  • While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to sit, use a computer, a telephone, and other office equipment.
  • Employee may occasionally need to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift carry, push or otherwise move objects (e.g. files or presentation materials).
  • This position requires the ability to express or exchange ideas and to comprehend and present detailed and critical information including but not limited to financial information.

  Required education and experience

  • Hold and maintain CWIC certification.
  • Maintain Social Security suitability as required by the Federal government.
  • Minimum bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.

  Preferred education and experience

  • Experience with community outreach.
  • WIPA STAR, BSA Docs, Microsoft Suite and data entry.

  Other duties

  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement

  About Us

  Granite State Independent Living is a statewide non-profit and New Hampshire's only Center for Independent Living, we stay close to our roots with a focus on our 5 core services of education, information, advocacy, support, and transition services for people with disabilities and underserved youth. We can speak and think with authority on behalf of the people we serve and support because we are led by a board of directors and staff of which over 51% are people with disabilities.

  We carry out our mission through our Home Care Services, Community-Based Disability Supports and Employment Services. With the help of our local New Hampshire communities, we assist people with the tools for living life independently, so they can change their lives for the better. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains the same; GSIL is committed to the principle of personal choice and direction.