Work Incentive Benefits Specialist

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES INC; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Employment Resources, Inc. in Madison, WI seeks a Benefits Specialist to help people with disabilities understand how work and earnings affect their benefits.

You’ll provide individualized counseling, information, and support on programs such as Social Security disability benefits and health coverage. You will learn complex program rules with ERI's training, communicate clearly, maintain accurate case notes, and coordinate with Social Security, state agencies, and community partners to connect

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Ability to explain complex information in clear, understandable language.
• Ability to learn detailed program rules and apply them to individual circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Meet with people with disabilities to learn their goals, benefits, and support needs.
• Explain benefits and work incentive rules in clear, practical language.
• Provide individualized benefits guidance and follow-up support.
• Coordinate with Social Security, state and local agencies, and service providers.
• Maintain accurate case notes and required documentation.
• Develop expertise in benefits counseling and serve as a resource to staff and partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is seeking a Benefits Specialist to help people with disabilities understand how work and other life changes may affect their benefits. This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys helping people solve problems, explain complicated information in understandable ways, and make informed choices about employment and benefits.

About the Role

Benefits Specialists work directly with people with disabilities to provide individualized benefits counseling, information, and support. You will help people understand programs such as Social Security disability benefits, health care coverage, and other public benefits, including how employment and earnings may affect those benefits.

You do not need to know every benefits rule when you start. ERI provides specialized training and ongoing support. We are looking for someone who is comfortable learning detailed information and helping people understand how it applies to their individual circumstances.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

Meet with people with disabilities to learn about their goals, benefits, employment, and support needs.

Explain benefits and work incentive rules in clear, practical language.

Help people understand how working or increasing their earnings may affect their benefits.

Provide individualized information and written benefits guidance.

Communicate with Social Security, state and local agencies, service providers, and other partners when needed.

Connect people with additional programs, services, and community resources.

Help clients understand their options and identify next steps.

Provide follow-up support as appropriate.

Maintain accurate and timely case notes and other required documentation.

Develop expertise in benefits counseling and serve as a resource to ERI staff and community partners.

Participate in training, outreach, and professional development activities.

The formal position also requires maintaining program quality standards, confidentiality, security, and privacy requirements.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

Has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Enjoys working directly with people and helping them understand their options.

Can learn detailed and sometimes complex program rules.

Communicates clearly in writing and conversation.

Has strong organization and follow-through skills.

Can manage deadlines and multiple priorities.

Is comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

Uses good judgment and creative problem-solving skills.

Can work effectively with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.

Is comfortable using computers and learning new software.

Can maintain confidential information and high professional standards.

Knowledge of public benefit programs, disability services, employment services, or community resources is helpful, but specialized benefits counseling experience is not required if you are interested and able to learn.

These qualifications reflect the position description, which specifically identifies knowledge of public programs and community resources, strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to quickly learn technical information, independent and team-based work, confidentiality, deadline management, and computer skills.

Training and Professional Development

Benefits counseling is a specialized field. ERI will provide training and support to help the person hired develop the knowledge needed for the position. The Benefits Specialist will be expected to complete and maintain required training, certifications, and security clearances related to the programs they support.

About ERI

Employment Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing employment opportunities and enhancing the well‑well-being of individuals with disabilities. We pride ourselves on:

Collaborative Culture: Evidence-based practices and strong community partnerships

Innovation: Cutting-edge use of technology and comprehensive training programs

Impact: Active participation in policy discussions and advocacy for systemic change in disability employment

Reputation: Respected leader at state and national levels in vocational rehabilitation services

ERI values lived experience and encourages people with disabilities and people with varied backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Timeline: This search is open until it is filled. Early applications are encouraged.

ERI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace and service environment grounded in respect, accessibility, and opportunity for all.