Benefits Counselor
Job level: Advanced
Jill Hannemann, Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor, Abilitree, Bend, OR“I was drawn to this position because it provided an opportunity to serve the disability community by educating them on how their Social Security, federal and state benefits will be affected when they return to work. Watching consumers achieve their employment goals, as well as, personal and financial goals has proved to be very rewarding. I have watched many consumers expand their goals to include living independently and saving for their financial future.”
You may be a Benefits Counselor if you...
- Can be described as accurate, organized and productive – you’ll leave no stone unturned
- Have an uncanny ability to explain complex information in a way people can understand
- Enjoy interacting with people and helping others connect to information and resources they need.
As a Benefits Counselor...
Many people with disabilities believe that if they go to work, they will lose all of their federal and state benefits or their medical insurance, but this is seldom true. As a Benefits Counselor, you will help people with disabilities make informed decisions about work, benefits and the use of work incentives to achieve their employment goals. This includes encouraging people to go to work without fear of losing their benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, and helping individuals navigate the benefits system when they begin working.
Average Wage Range
$15-$30 per hour
To become a Benefits Counselor...
You may have a bachelor's degree or some benefits counseling experience. Familiarity with I/DD service systems and an understanding of Medicaid is highly preferred.
As you move forward as a Benefits Counselor, you will receive training towards a Benefits Counseling Certificate and ongoing continued education.