Posted: 01/16/25; Open Until Filled

People with disabilities of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply!

JOB TITLE:  Ticket To Work (TTW) Specialist
PRIMARY OFFICE:  TBD
FLSA/EMPLOYEE STATUS:  Full-Time (32 hrs. /wk.); Non-exempt
PAY & BENEFITS:  $27-$40/hr.  Benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Programs (EAP); 401(k); paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time.

WHY WORK WITH US?  We’re extremely caring, supportive, down-to-earth, and passionate about what we do.  We are continually improving the employee experience, including offering a 4-day workweek for true work/life balance.  Also, we’re very flexible and accommodating, and we provide generous time off.  Be a part of our meaningful mission and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities!

SUMMARY:  The TTW Specialist works with the Employment Team and Director of Strategic Growth to provide employment services to consumers through the Ticket to Work (TTW) program.  The person in this position supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work program. This role involves direct consumer interaction, program management, and collaboration with SSA, VR, ENs, Workforce Centers and other partners. The specialist will assist consumers in understanding their options, navigating the program, and accessing resources to transition to financial independence through sustainable employment. TTW Specialist is responsible for following Social Security’s requirements for TTW program and ensuring compliance.

The individual in this position will serve as a role model and mentor for people with disabilities within the community, and maintain positive and effective relationships with CPWD staff and partner agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with consumers primarily in the TTW program.  This position may also work with consumers through DVR on a limited basis and serve as a backup for Employment team members.  This includes completing intake paperwork and conducting initial assessments to identify participants’ skills, interests, and employment barriers; assistance locating employment and resources, developing productive work attitudes and skills, résumé review and preparation, job placement, workplace accommodations and follow-up activities to support the consumer.

• Must be able to develop the TTW Individual Work Plan (IWP) in collaboration with the consumer and per TTW requirements.

• Work with the consumer to set appropriate vocational goals based on qualifications, interests, and labor market conditions.

• Enter required documentation for each consumer in the required timeframe in the database.

• Complete thorough, accurate and timely documentation including paper and electronic records.  Maintain all records as required by CPWD.

• Maintain Work Period Charts

• Assist with reasonable accommodation to employers, as needed.

• Track consumer outcomes and program metrics.

• Ensure TTW billing is accurate and submitted monthly.  TTW information is entered into the TTW Portal and consumer pay stubs are submitted to the appropriate parties.

• Work effectively with Workforce Centers and other agencies in CPWD’s service area. 

• Gain an understanding of IL Philosophy and CPWD’s mission, vision and programs and is able to communicate them to consumers and community organizations.

• Work independently, schedule and manage personal workload, and recognize when there is a need for approval or support from supervisor.

• Must be able to manage a full case load of approximately 30 – 40 consumers.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

• All CPWD staff members are considered mandatory reporters, obligated to report signs of abuse they are aware of both on and off the job. 

• Demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.

• Travel as needed for direct services, groups, trainings, and outreach events.

• Participate in CPWD staff meetings, program meetings, and staff trainings.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors’ degree in social work, human services, rehabilitation counseling, or a relevant field and/or relevant equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in disability services, workforce development, or related fields.

• Knowledge and previous experience in TTW program is highly preferred. Familiarity with SSA programs, benefits counseling and disability benefits is highly preferred.

• Must be able to pass the Ticket to Work suitability background check process.

• Proficiency with MS Office, the Google Suite, and other common computer programs.

• Strong organizational and customer service skills, attention to detail, the ability to self-motivate and be flexible.

• Ability to navigate complex governmental systems.

• Leadership and interpersonal skills with diverse peers, consumer base, other staff members and management.

• Able to positively represent CPWD and outreach to the community and public.

• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

• Able to work independently, making solid decisions and exercising sound judgment with consumer and community contacts.

• Working knowledge of disabilities and disability-related issues.

• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Able to demonstrate commitment to CPWD’s non-discrimination policy DEI Statement

• Able to demonstrate CPWD’s core values of inclusiveness, flexibility, person-first, accountability, and integrity.

• Effective written and oral communications skills.

• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record (if applicable).

• Satisfactory backgrounds checks.=

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Personal experience with a disability is a huge advantage!

• Exposure to Independent Living Philosophies, and best practices in the IL community.

• Previous knowledge of the Ticket to Work program and its requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or relevant equivalent experience.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and an extended amount of time sitting or standing.

• Local and regional travel in various weather conditions.

• Primarily based out of TBD CPWD office location.

• May be asked to work out of any CPWD office, as needed.

CPWD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are dedicated to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and fostering a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion while actively challenging and dismantling systemic racism and oppression.Reasonable accommodations may be made to empower a qualified candidate to perform the essential functions of the job.

HOW TO APPLY:  Please submit an updated résumé and customized cover letter to jobs@cpwd.org explaining why you are a strong candidate for this position.  We look forward to hearing from you!