Work Incentive Planner (WIP)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Work Incentive Planner (WIP) is a specialized role responsible for helping individuals with disabilities understand and navigate how employment may affect public benefits. This one-year pilot position is designed to assess the long-term value and sustainability of integrating work incentive planning into service delivery. The WIP provides individualized benefits counseling, leads internal and external trainings, and supports organizational growth by using work incentive planning as both a direct service and a strategic outreach tool. This role is expected to maintain at least 80% direct client support time while also completing administrative, training, and program development responsibilities. The position may also support the implementation of Social Security funding approval requirements and track deliverables and outcomes as funding becomes available.

WORK SCHEDULE AND STRUCTURE:

This is a one-year pilot position that is subject to evaluation and continuation based on outcomes and funding sustainability. The role includes a combination of direct client services, administrative responsibilities, training, and outreach activities.

• Pilot Term: One-year pilot position, with continuation dependent on program outcomes and funding sustainability.
• Primary Focus: Maintain at least 80% direct client support time through benefits counseling and case management.
• Additional Responsibilities: Complete administrative work, training, outreach, and pilot evaluation activities.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:

This position plays a critical role in reducing barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities by helping them pursue work without unnecessary fear of losing essential benefits. By integrating benefits planning into service delivery, the organization strengthens its impact, improves client outcomes, and expands access to employment opportunities.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: Responsibilities may evolve during the pilot period based on program needs, funding requirements, and evaluation of findings.

• Benefits Analysis and Planning: Conduct comprehensive reviews of client benefits, including Social Security Insurance (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and housing assistance. Develop individualized Work Incentive Plans using Social Security Administration-approved tools and programs such as IRWE, PASS, and Ticket to Work. Provide clear, practical guidance on how employment may affect benefits.
• Ongoing Case Management: Maintain an active caseload and provide ongoing support as clients pursue, obtain, and sustain employment. Monitor benefit changes and proactively adjust plans to align with income changes. Support clients in meeting benefit requirements and reducing the risk of overpayments.
• Wage Reporting and Systems Navigation: Assist clients with reporting wages accurately to the Social Security Administration and other benefit agencies. Educate clients on reporting timelines, required documentation, and available reporting methods. Serve as a liaison between clients and agencies as needed.
• Training, Education, and Outreach: Develop and deliver training for internal staff, clients and families, and external stakeholders, including schools, partners, and community agencies. Represent the organization at conferences, resource fairs, and community events. Use WIP services as a strategic outreach tool to increase referrals and client engagement.
• Program Development and Pilot Evaluation: Support the development, refinement, and documentation of WIP service delivery processes. Track program outcomes, service metrics, and client success indicators. Contribute to the evaluation of pilot effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
• Funding and Administrative Management: Complete case documentation, reporting, and other administrative requirements related to WIP services. Maintain compliance with Social Security Administration and funding guidelines. Track billable and non-billable activities and support management of Social Security funding streams, including required data tracking and outcome reporting when funding is available.

To perform this role successfully, the individual must meet the qualifications below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Required:
• Obtain and maintain Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP-C) certification required.
• Qualified candidates must have case management or equivalent experience overseeing 80 or more clients.
• Strong working knowledge of SSA Red Book regulations and public benefits systems, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and related programs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex regulations
• into clear, understandable guidance for clients, families, staff, and partners.
• Preferred:
• Experience in vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, disability services, or related fields.
• Experience delivering training, workshops, or public presentations.
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs, government funding requirements, or compliance reporting.
• Performance Metrics:
• Maintain at least 80% direct client support time.
• Complete Benefits Analyses and individualized Work Incentive Plans.
• Support successful client outcomes, including employment entry, wage progression, and benefit stability.
• Deliver internal and external training and participate in outreach events such as conferences and resource fairs.
• Generate new client referrals through WIP outreach efforts.
• Maintain compliance with SSA reporting and funding requirements.
• Contribute to pilot evaluation, documentation, and sustainability planning.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in individual, group, virtual, and community settings.
• Ability to travel throughout the Career Development Program service region, including all areas in which the program operates, as needed for training, outreach events, meetings, and client support activities.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSURES:

• Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP-C) certification
• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) Certification