DSHS DVR Rehabilitation Technician 2 - Benefits Planner

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Benefits Planner, where you'll empower individuals with disabilities to navigate complex benefits programs. In this impactful role, you will analyze how employment affects Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, providing personalized insights that help clients make informed decisions about their futures. Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and community organizations, your expertise will ensure clients receive tailored support. If you have a passion for advocacy and a knack for simplifying complex information, this is the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while promoting self-sufficiency and independence.

Benefits

5% premium pay for King County employees

Free ORCA card for transportation

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding Social Security benefits.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct benefits analysis for DVR customers regarding SSDI and SSI.
• Prepare detailed reports on how employment income affects benefits.

Skills

Knowledge of Social Security programs

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Job description

DSHS DVR Rehabilitation Technician 2 - Benefits Planner

As a Benefits Planner with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) at DSHS, you’ll play a vital role in guiding people through complex benefits programs, helping them make informed choices about employment. Working one-on-one with customers referred by VR Counselors, you’ll provide expert insights on how earnings can affect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other government benefits. Through detailed analysis and personalized reports, you’ll empower clients to explore employment options with confidence, supported by programs like Social Security’s Ticket to Work.

In this role, you’ll use your understanding of Social Security programs, work incentives, and vocational rehabilitation services to make a real difference in the lives of DVR customers. You’ll collaborate closely with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Social Security liaisons, and community organizations to ensure clients receive accurate and helpful information tailored to their unique situations. If you have a talent for explaining technical details in ways that are easy to understand, and you’re ready to make a positive impact on the path to self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, we invite you to join our team!

This role is open to applicants statewide, with the duty station to be discussed during the hiring process.

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct benefits analysis for a small caseload of DVR customers receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income, providing clear written reports on how employment income will affect their benefits.
• Handle limited case management duties, including interviewing clients, collecting and verifying information, and documenting how earned income impacts Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and other government benefits.
• Prepare and present detailed, individualized reports that analyze each customer’s benefits situation and explain potential effects of earned income, including eligibility for work incentives through Social Security Administration programs like Ticket to Work.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to provide technical benefits information for counseling and benefits planning purposes.
• Coordinate with the Program Manager to uphold program integrity and ensure smooth service delivery and training coordination.
• Liaise with Social Security Work Incentives Liaisons and other agencies to verify Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, work incentives, and income-based benefits information.
• Attend trainings and meetings to stay informed on frequently changing federal and state benefits rules and technical knowledge.

What we're looking for:

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and procedures for Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Ticket to Work, and other Social Security work incentive programs, as well as vocational rehabilitation service practices.
• Ability to accurately interpret, explain, and communicate benefits rules and procedures in a clear and understandable manner to clients and colleagues.
• Skill in analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting complex technical information in formats accessible to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with a diverse range of clients and colleagues, including those who may be demanding or challenging.
• Expertise in providing technical benefits information to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and addressing questions on public benefits programs and Social Security work incentives.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information formally and informally to community-based organizations and special interest groups.

Who should apply?

• Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or allied field

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Additional information:

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Snohomish County and Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Interested?

Please include the following with your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Email [e-mail] or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 01646.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.