Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project Director

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services partnerships, education, and advocacy.

Position Summary:

The WIPA program provides individualized work incentives planning and assistance services that support Social Security disability beneficiaries to succeed in their return-to -work efforts. The WIPA Project Director is a full-time position overseeing the function and operations of the WIPA project and other fee-for-service agreements with community partners. The Director also dedicates 25% of their time to providing direct service as a Community Work Incentives Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Counseling (25%):

• Conducts comprehensive intakes with beneficiaries to evaluate service eligibility and needs.
• Collects and verifies all federal, state, and local benefits received by beneficiaries.
• Analyses collected information to determine the effect of work on all benefits.
• Develops comprehensive customized Benefits Summary and Analysis reports to provide to beneficiaries.
• Uses multiple forms of communication to ensure that beneficiaries understand their analysis.
• Assists with identifying, developing, utilizing, and managing work incentives, resolving benefits issues, and learning to report income to SSA and other agencies.
• Assists with resolving barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment by making appropriate referrals and coordinating with the beneficiary's support team.
• Provides long-term follow-up services.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders such as local SSA offices, Vocational Rehabilitation, employment support providers, and the Family Support Division.
• Maintains thorough and clear case files and records all services and communications with or on behalf of beneficiaries.

Project Management (75%):

• Hires, trains, and supervises Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs).
• Monitors the accuracy and quality of services provided by the CWICs.
• Ensures that CWICs complete annual Continuing Certification Credits and arranges for opportunities to meet state/local training requirement.
• Is responsible for maintaining compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the WIPA cooperative agreement with SSA.
• Acts as the liaison between the SSA grant management staff and Virginia Commonwealth University WIPA NTDC staff.
• Guarantees accurate entry of participant information and services provided as required by SSA.
• Complies with and annually reviews all SSA requirements for protecting and reporting loss of Personally Identifiable Information as well as HIPAA guidelines with CWICs.
• Compiles data and completes all reports required by SSA.
• Coordinates completion of all aspects of the annual renewal and grant reapplication process.
• Submits monthly Scorecard data for Paraquad.
• Cultivates and maintains cooperative relationships with key community stakeholders.

Miscellaneous:

• Directs outreach and education the WIPA project conducts for WIPA and Paraquad.
• Promotes Paraquad's mission, vision, and values and the Independent Living Philosophy in the community.
• Manages additional contracts and fee for services agreements.
• Utilizes Grant Solutions to submit and manage required grant documents.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates a commitment to providing equitable and accessible services.

Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Masters' degree in a human services field; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years' experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong management and supervision skills.
• Ability to use a variety of formats to provide excellent, clear, and accessible communication to participants, co-workers, and community partners.
• Proficient in utilizing distance technology (zoom, Microsoft programs, secure file transfers, phone, fax etc.) to provide services, communicate with co-workers, and conduct outreach.
• Organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance and accuracy.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Adept at navigating and interpreting policy manuals for government and non-government benefit programs.
• Ability to form and maintain collaborative relationships with key community partners.

Certifications/Licenses:

Current CWIC certification

Qualifications:

• Complete a minimum of 15 Continuing Certification Credits annually as required by SSA to maintain CWIC certification.
• Ability to obtain a moderate risk (Tier 2) suitability determination from SSA.

Working Conditions:

• The WIPA project serves beneficiaries five business days per week except for holidays. Flexible hours are permitted, and occasional evening or weekend availability is encouraged to support working beneficiaries.
• CWICs have the option to work remotely 100% of the time contingent on SSA approval and acceptable performance of job duties.
• Prolonged sitting (6-8 hours/day) with short breaks for standing/walking.
• Occasional standing for meetings or equipment use.
• Prolonged sitting (6-8 hours/day) with short breaks for standing/walking.
• Occasional standing for meetings or equipment use.
• Light lifting (<10-15 lbs) of files, laptops, or supplies.
• Repetitive hand/wrist motions (typing, mouse, handling documents).

EEO Statement:

Paraquad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual's sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment- fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our employees proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve.

Accommodation: If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact Barb Cant at 314-289-4200 or bcant@paraquad.org with the nature of your accommodation request.