Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project Director
Paraquad, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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%)
Conduct comprehensive intakes with beneficiaries to evaluate service eligibility and needs.
Collect and verify all federal, state, and local benefits received by beneficiaries.
Analyze collected information to determine the effect of work on all benefits.
Develop comprehensive customized Benefits Summary and Analysis reports to provide to beneficiaries.
Use multiple forms of communication to ensure that beneficiaries understand their analysis.
Assist with identifying, developing, utilizing, and managing work incentives, resolving benefits issues, and learning to report income to SSA and other agencies.
Assist with resolving barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment by making appropriate referrals and coordinating with the beneficiary's support team.
Provide long‑term follow‑up services.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as local SSA offices, Vocational Rehabilitation, employment support providers, and the Family Support Division.
Maintain thorough and clear case files and record all services and communications with or on behalf of beneficiaries.
Project Management (75%)
Hire, train, and supervise Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs).
Monitor the accuracy and quality of services provided by the CWICs.
Ensure that CWICs complete annual Continuing Certification Credits and arrange for opportunities to meet state/local training requirements.
Be responsible for maintaining compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the WIPA cooperative agreement with SSA.
Act as the liaison between SSA grant management staff and Virginia Commonwealth University WIPA NTDC staff.
Guarantee accurate entry of participant information and services provided as required by SSA.
Comply with and annually review all SSA requirements for protecting and reporting loss of personally identifiable information as well as HIPAA guidelines with CWICs.
Compile data and complete all reports required by SSA.
Coordinate completion of all aspects of the annual renewal and grant reapplication process.
Submit monthly Scorecard data for Paraquad.
Cultivate and maintain cooperative relationships with key community stakeholders.
Miscellaneous
Direct outreach and education the WIPA project conducts for WIPA and Paraquad.
Promote Paraquad's mission, vision, and values and the Independent Living Philosophy in the community.
Manage additional contracts and fee‑for‑services agreements.
Utilize Grant Solutions to submit and manage required grant documents.
Complete other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate a commitment to providing equitable and accessible services.
Required Qualifications Education and Experience
Master’s degree in a human services field; or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
2 years of 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.
Prolonged sitting (6–8 hours a day) with short breaks for standing/walking.
Occasional standing for meetings or equipment use.
Light lifting ( 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.
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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%)
Conduct comprehensive intakes with beneficiaries to evaluate service eligibility and needs.
Collect and verify all federal, state, and local benefits received by beneficiaries.
Analyze collected information to determine the effect of work on all benefits.
Develop comprehensive customized Benefits Summary and Analysis reports to provide to beneficiaries.
Use multiple forms of communication to ensure that beneficiaries understand their analysis.
Assist with identifying, developing, utilizing, and managing work incentives, resolving benefits issues, and learning to report income to SSA and other agencies.
Assist with resolving barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment by making appropriate referrals and coordinating with the beneficiary's support team.
Provide long‑term follow‑up services.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as local SSA offices, Vocational Rehabilitation, employment support providers, and the Family Support Division.
Maintain thorough and clear case files and record all services and communications with or on behalf of beneficiaries.
Project Management (75%)
Hire, train, and supervise Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs).
Monitor the accuracy and quality of services provided by the CWICs.
Ensure that CWICs complete annual Continuing Certification Credits and arrange for opportunities to meet state/local training requirements.
Be responsible for maintaining compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the WIPA cooperative agreement with SSA.
Act as the liaison between SSA grant management staff and Virginia Commonwealth University WIPA NTDC staff.
Guarantee accurate entry of participant information and services provided as required by SSA.
Comply with and annually review all SSA requirements for protecting and reporting loss of personally identifiable information as well as HIPAA guidelines with CWICs.
Compile data and complete all reports required by SSA.
Coordinate completion of all aspects of the annual renewal and grant reapplication process.
Submit monthly Scorecard data for Paraquad.
Cultivate and maintain cooperative relationships with key community stakeholders.
Miscellaneous
Direct outreach and education the WIPA project conducts for WIPA and Paraquad.
Promote Paraquad's mission, vision, and values and the Independent Living Philosophy in the community.
Manage additional contracts and fee‑for‑services agreements.
Utilize Grant Solutions to submit and manage required grant documents.
Complete other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate a commitment to providing equitable and accessible services.
Required Qualifications Education and Experience
Master’s degree in a human services field; or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
2 years of 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.
Prolonged sitting (6–8 hours a day) with short breaks for standing/walking.
Occasional standing for meetings or equipment use.
Light lifting ( 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr