If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying
Make a difference! We stand for the rights of people that have disabilities....JOIN US!
Individuals who are Deaf or Disabled are encouraged to apply.
Location: Remote (must live in California)
SALARY RANGE (Depending on Experience): $48,698 – $71,358 annually
We base salary and position offers on experience and an internal equity analysis.
Employment Status: Non-Exempt; Regular; 30 hrs weekly
EXCELLENT BENEFITS including 8% 401k Match, a language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more….. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.
Application Deadline: Open until filled. Applications should be received by February 10, 2023 to be considered for the first round of interviews.
WHO WE ARE
Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.
DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.
DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.
WORK INCENTIVES PLANNING AND ASSISTANCE
The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program offers free individualized work incentives counseling to eligible individuals living in: San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. WIPA is a free service helping Social Security beneficiaries who receive benefits based on a disability make informed choices about their employment goals. This program is for individuals currently employed, self-employed, or individuals seeking employment or self-employment.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) provides work incentives planning and assistance to people receiving Social Security Disability Benefits. The CWIC is responsible for counseling and educating beneficiaries about how employment will affect their current benefits (which may include public and private health insurance, federal, state, and/or local benefits received) so that they can make informed choices towards employment and self-sufficiency.
The CWIC works under the direct supervision of the WIPA Program Manager and in collaboration with other CWICs.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. CWIC essential functions include:
Assist Clients – 75%
· Conduct intakes and provide Information & Referral services to beneficiaries.
· Obtain and evaluate information about a beneficiary.
· Research and interpret rules, regulations, and laws.
· Analyze documentation to determine the potential impact of employment on benefits.
· Educate beneficiaries on the potential impacts of employment and the work incentives that are available.
· Develop individualized Benefits Summary and Analysis reports, Work Incentives Plans, and other correspondence.
· Deliver follow-along services to help beneficiaries manage their benefits, report income, and access available work incentives.
Support Services – 20%
· Assess collected documentation for accuracy.
· Maintain communication with Social Security Administration personnel and other state and local agencies.
· Input beneficiary information into forms and/or database as required and maintain files per federal requirements.
Outreach / Training – 5%
· Prepare materials, conduct outreach, and train consumers, community groups, advocates, and others.
Other Duties
· Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
· Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
· Two years paid or voluntary work experience as an advocate in at least one of these areas:
o Social service, human service, community-based, public interest, or health care environments working with people with disabilities; OR
o The practice of public interest law; OR
o Directly representing clients in administrative hearings; OR
o Equivalent combination of education and experience.
· Knowledge of Social Security Disability Benefits and other federal, state, and local work incentives programs.
Licenses/Certifications/Clearances:
· Current CWIC certification by Virginia Commonwealth University.
· The ability to obtain a Federal Level 5 Suitability clearance is required for access to WIPA program information. The federal government determines whether to grant the clearance after a background investigation involving a credit check and inquiries to law enforcement, employers, schools, and references for the past five years.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Life experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a person with a disability.
· Knowledge of laws, rights, and services for people with disabilities, and/or direct representation of people with disabilities.
· Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language, including the ability to interpret and translate.
· Able to communicate using American Sign Language.
· Contacts with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.
· Experience with or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional travel required, including weekends and evenings. Ability to travel occasionally for activities such as training or outreach and direct services to clients and service providers in Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego Counties, up to 5% of the time.
High speed internet connection is required to work for us.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations.
· Duties are performed in office and home environments.
· Duties frequently require sitting and communicating with others.
· Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, facilities, and settings where clients live.
If you are interested in becoming a part of DRC, please submit the following:
1. Online Disability Rights California Application Form
2. Your resume
3. Cover Letter: We need a workforce that can utilize insights and strategies that can come from both professional and personal experience. In your cover letter, please tell us about yourself and why you are a great fit for this position and for DRC.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
At Disability Rights California, we value diversity among our employees because unique perspectives allow us to effectively serve Californians with disabilities from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (over 40), Disability (mental and physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Disability Rights California endorses and supports the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants or employees who need accommodations.
