Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor

The Choice Group; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Choice Group is hiring a Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor in Fairfax, VA. The role includes training to become a Work Incentives Specialist Advocate and dual duties as a Vocational Counselor to help individuals with disabilities secure competitive community employment.

Candidates should have relevant education or experience and be capable of coordinating with state agencies while delivering hands-on training, job coaching, resume help, and employer outreach.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field with experience, or 10 years of related work for high school diploma.
• WISA certification through Cornell University or VCU-WIPA and Community Partner certification is preferred but not required.
• Self-starter with computer and time management skills.
• Experience working with people with disabilities is required or preferred.
• Strong time management, interpersonal and communication skills; detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Provide benefits planning services for clients in vocational programs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with DARS/DBVI field offices to maximize program effectiveness.
• Maintain proactive written, oral, and electronic communications with referrals and team.
• Provide one-on-one job coaching and guidance to job seekers.
• Assist with resumes, applications, interviews, and job development.

Skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Bi-lingual

ASL

Education

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field + 2 years experience

Associate’s degree + 4 years experience

High school diploma + 10 years related experience

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor

Full Time Fairfax, VA, US

Salary Range: $20.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Disability Benefits Advocate/Vocational Counselor

Receive training to become certified as a Work Incentives Specialist Advocate! Are you familiar with Social Security and/or Medicaid benefits? Do you have experience working with people with disabilities? The Choice Group is seeking a Disability Benefits Advocate and training will be provided for qualified individual. You will be part of a team that empowers people with disabilities by providing the information and support they need to make informed choices about employment, earnings and financial independence.

This is a job with dual roles! As a Vocational Counselor, you will also support individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment in the community. The Choice Group is looking for an individual with human services experience, who is detail oriented and passionate about working with people with disabilities.

Under the Work Incentives Specialist Advocacy (WISA) Program, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Providing benefits planning services for clients being served in any of The Choice Group’s vocational and Ticket to Work programs
• Developing, managing, and maintaining ongoing collaborative relationships with DARS and DBVI field offices to maximize the effectiveness of the WISA program and services
• Maintaining proactive communication (written, oral, and electronic) with referral sources, team, and supervisory staff

Vocational Counselor job responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one job coaching and guidance to clients seeking employment
• Assist clients with resume building, job applications, and interviews
• Make employer connections in the community through individualized job development
• Support clients on job sites, providing hands-on training
• Help clients develop workplace readiness skills, including communication, time management, and professionalism
• Collaborate with employers to ensure successful job placements and retention
• Track client progress and maintain accurate documentation

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field, Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2 years experience, Associate’s degree (or equivalent credits) in a related field plus 4 years of experience, or a high school diploma and 10 years of related experience.
• WISA certification through Cornell University or VCU-WIPA and Community Partner certification preferred but not required
• Self-starter with computer and time management skills, who can work a varying schedule.
• Experience working with people with disabilities
• Detail oriented, strong time management, interpersonal and communication skills
• Bi-lingual and ASL candidates and are encouraged to apply.