Benefits to Work

Under the direction of the Benefits to Work (BTW) Program Director, this position is responsible for educating individuals with disabilities about the effects earned income will have on Social Security Disability benefit entitlement (s).  This position also involves assisting beneficiaries to identify and utilize the appropriate work incentives available through Social Security Administration and other federal, state and local government benefit programs that are applicable in each unique situation.

Equipment:
Computer, printer, mobile telephone and other equipment required to perform the functions of the position.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience working in Social Security disability entitlement and/or other public assistance and training programs, e.g. SSA, Vocational Rehabilitation, Employment Networks, Department of Human Services.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Must possess knowledge of SSA work incentives.
• Successful completion of a Federal background investigation
• Successful completion of SSA’s initial training and certification program.
• Ability to communicate in a sensitive and courteous manner.
• Ability to communicate complicated information in a comprehensive and understandable/useful manner in both verbal and written format.
• Analytical and problem solving skills including the ability to investigate, verify and document information from a variety of sources efficiently and accurately as well as determine the most effective recommendations for the use of work incentives.
• Travel is required.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:
These responsibilities are specific to the position.

• Explains the effects that working will have on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare and Medicaid benefits, Section 8 housing subsidy, Families First (TANF), Food Stamps, veteran’s administration benefits, and other applicable programs.
• Keeps abreast of Social Security disability benefits, other federal, state and local benefits information as related to associated work incentives and able to apply accordingly.
• Provide accurate information to beneficiaries with disabilities regarding work incentives available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) by way of
• the Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) report and Work Incentive Plan (WIP), conducting community outreach presentations and distribution of approved materials such as SSA’s “Redbook”
• Accurately facilitates the use of necessary and appropriate SSA work incentives long-term, as is necessary.
• Assist beneficiaries, when appropriate, in researching, planning, developing and submitting a Plan to Achieve Self Sufficiency to SSA.  Facilitate compliance with the plan, including record keeping, monitoring approved expenses and preparing for a review by the SSA.
• Assist beneficiaries in developing and reporting impairment related work expenses (IRWE) and subsidies to the SSA.  Must be knowledgeable as well as know when to apply incentives such as 1619(b), section 301, IRWEs, and Ticket.
• Counsel beneficiaries on work incentives, benefits programs and options available in a manner that empowers them to make informed choices about employment goals. 
• Actively participates in all required training including that recommended by the Program Director.
• Prepare comprehensive and accurate Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) reports and Work Incentive Plans (WIP) based on information gathered through communication with beneficiaries, SSA representatives and other relevant sources.
• Provide outreach to community regarding Benefits to Work program including developing and maintaining relationships with referral sources such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Security Administration.
• Provide training and technical assistance to other CWICs in capacity of a mentor; provide training to other agency staff and participate in peer review activities, when appropriate.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting including updates to the Effort to Outcome (ETO) database as well as weekly and monthly reporting required by Program Director.
• Respond to clients and Community Partners in a timely manner.

General Responsibilities:
These responsibilities apply to all employees of the Tennessee Disability Coalition.

• Support the organization’s vision, mission and values.
• Adherence to the organizations policies, procedures and benefits as well as all applicable laws and professional standards.
• Represent the organization professionally at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality of all personal information at all times.
• Exercise necessary cost controls.
• Foster and maintain positive internal and external customer service relationships.
• Demonstrate team behavior and must be willing to promote a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively and asking questions when clarification is needed.
• Plan and organize work effectively and ensure its completion.

 

Interested persons should submit resume and cover letter to:

Attention: Tennessee Disability Coalition
Email: coalition@tndisability.org
Fax: 615.383.9442
Or USPS: 955 Woodland Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37206

**** We are committed to guaranteeing that everyone: employees, applicants for employment, volunteers, and those seeking our services, will be treated equally and in a dignified and respectful manner. No person will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Each person will be judged on his/her own merit in determining employment and advancement opportunities. We are a drug-free workplace.

Thousands of Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) have learned how to stay in control of their benefits while enriching their lives through employment.  You can too by attending one of our upcoming Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE).  The classes will help you and your family members learn how to take advantage of the Social Security Work Incentives including Ticket to Work.  Join us for this exciting opportunity!

Sign up today for a location near you, seating is limited.  Register at: http://www.chooseworkttw.net/index.htm.

Co-Sponsored by:  Benefits to Work; A program of the Tennessee Disability Coalition

Knoxville Facilitator/Presenter:  Tim Benthal, Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC)

Contact #: (865) 567-7591
Date/Time:  Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Location:  Knoxville Career Center (Conference Room on the first floor)
Knoxville, TN 37921

Chattanooga Facilitator/Presenter:  Jami Brown (CWIC)

Contact#:  (423) 208-7093
Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 26, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
Location: The State Office Building (in the auditorium)
540 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Attendees will be required to present photo IDs to enter state building.

Layfayette Facilitator/Presenter:  Renee Lopez (CWIC)

Contact #:  (615) 804-0515
Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 26, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (CST)
Location:  Upper Cumberland Career Center of Macon County (In the large conference room)
607 HWY 52 Bypass East,
Lafayette, TN. 37083

 
Kingsport Facilitator/Presenter:  Mike Rowe (CWIC)

Contact #:  (423) 956-1703
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon.
Location:  DHS/Vocational Rehabilitation office (Large Conference Room)
1060 Wilcox Court,
Kingsport, TN 37660

Cleveland Facilitator/Presenter:  Jami Brown (CWIC)

Contact #:  (423) 208-7093
Date/Time: Thursday, March 17, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Location:  Cleveland Public Library
795 Church Street, N.E.,
Cleveland, TN 37311

All of the locations listed above are accessible.

Benefits to Work, a project of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, is pleased to announce the addition of a new project manager.  Joining the organization to lead Benefits To Work is Alice Owens Gatlin.

“We are delighted to welcome Alice to our team,” said Carol Westlake, executive director of Tennessee Disability Coalition.  “ She brings with her unique experiences and skills that will strengthen our ability to assist social security beneficiaries successfully return to work.”
 
Ms. Owens Gatlin brings with her an extensive and varied background in social security disability work and administration services.  Over the last 22 years she has worked on various aspects of social security and disability including representing clients with claims for disability, disability insurance benefits, and supplemental security income.  She is a certified clinical research professional, and has fulfilled a variety of leadership roles at Vanderbilt University as a part of the Office of Research.  Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and a Juris Doctor from Temple University.