Benefits Counselor

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team?  At Merakey, we put our heart and soul into everything we do.

We are seeking a Benefits Counselor to join our team.

Earn: $21-$25 per hour, based upon certification/credential attainment and previous work experience

Location: Remote Position available for candidates residing in PA, DE, FL, LA, MD, NJ, OH, TX, and VA

​​The Benefits Counselor provides individualized employment-related benefits advisement and planning to Social Security beneficiaries referred through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Medicaid, or the Ticket to Work (TTW) Program. This position plays a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue employment goals by helping them understand how income from work may affect their public benefits, including SSI, SSDI, CDB, Medicaid, Medicare, and state programs. 

​This role works closely with TTW beneficiaries as well as consumers actively participating in Supported Employment (SE) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs. The Benefits Counselor is responsible for developing personalized Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) reports and collaborating with employment teams to ensure continuity of care and informed decision-making. This is a professional position that requires a strong understanding of SSA work incentives, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance autonomy with cross-team collaboration. 

We are looking for a candidate with: 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills. 

• Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy and confidentiality. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and case management systems (e.g., SETWorks).
• Strong knowledge of SSA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and related work incentives. 

Responsibilities: 

Benefits Counseling & Work Incentive Planning 

• Provide accurate, individualized advisement on how employment and earnings will affect public benefits, including: 

• Social Security benefits (SSI, SSDI, CDB) & Medicare, Medicaid, and state-specific supports 

• SNAP, housing, and other needs-based programs 

• Deliver in-depth counseling to TTW beneficiaries, as well as individuals served through SE and Pre-ETS programs, in coordination with internal employment teams. 

• Develop and present detailed Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) reports in alignment with agency and SSA standards. 

• Apply and explain SSA work incentives (e.g., Trial Work Period, SGA, IRWE, PASS) tailored to each beneficiary’s situation. 

• Support individuals in understanding income reporting, paystub tracking, and protections such as Expedited Reinstatement. 

• Educate consumers on money management, self-advocacy, and employment-related decision-making. 

• Refer individuals to additional community resources as needed (e.g., housing, DDD, legal advocacy). 

• Serve as a liaison to SSA, Medicaid, and other agencies for advocacy or clarification, when necessary. 

Collaboration & Cross-Program Support 

• Collaborate actively with TTW Program Specialists, SE Employment Counselors, and Pre-ETS Skills Trainers to ensure coordinated services and benefit-informed employment planning. 

• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and collaborative planning sessions across departments. 

• Share benefit updates and recommendations with employment staff to inform IPEs, job development, and support strategies. 

• Represent the benefits counseling program at internal and external meetings, school transition events, and DVR discussions. 

Documentation & Compliance 

• Complete timely and accurate documentation in SETWorks, including daily notes, BSAs, activity reports, calendars, and timecards. 

• Ensure all case records meet HIPAA, SSA, DVR, and internal documentation standards. 

• Track billable time, service units, and calendar compliance in accordance with agency policy. 

• Always maintain confidentiality and data security in accordance with federal regulations. 

Workload Management & Outreach 

• Manage a personal caseload independently while knowing when to escalate for support. 
• Provide outreach and education to consumers, families, and community partners about the role of benefits counseling. 
• Attend trainings, outreach events, and SSA- or DVR-sponsored meetings to stay current on work incentive regulations. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the program. 

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, counseling, rehabilitation, disability studies) or equivalent experience. 

• Certification as a Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC) or Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP-C), or willingness to obtain within six months of hire. 
  • Ticket to Work Suitability clearance or ability to obtain it (includes federal background check and required SSA training). 

•  2 years experience working with individuals with disabilities or mental health diagnosis.

• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record.

Salary : $21 - $25