ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Certified Work Incentive Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Best Buddies Int. Inc

Employment Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

... Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their state Vocational Rehabilitation * Maintain regular communication with employers/supervisors advocating for the participants' rights to equal ...

Best Buddies Int. Inc

Employment Consultant

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

... Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their state Vocational Rehabilitation * Maintain regular communication with employers/supervisors advocating for the participants' rights to equal ...

Best Buddies Int. Inc

Employment Consultant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

... Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their state Vocational Rehabilitation * Maintain regular communication with employers/supervisors advocating for the participants' rights to equal ...

Best Buddies Int. Inc

Employment Consultant

New Britain, CT · On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

... Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their state Vocational Rehabilitation * Maintain regular communication with employers/supervisors advocating for the participants' rights to equal ...

Best Buddies Int. Inc

Employment Consultant

Worcester, MA · On-site

$44K - $45K/yr

... Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their state Vocational Rehabilitation * Maintain regular communication with employers/supervisors advocating for the participants' rights to equal ...

Healthqwest LLC

Certified Counselor

Macon, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Bonus Incentives: Recognizing and rewarding quality patient care with monthly performance-based ... Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO and 8 paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Certified Counselor

Macon, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Bonus Incentives: Recognizing and rewarding quality patient care with monthly performance-based ... Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO and 8 paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCertified Work Incentive Counselor Jobs

Certified Work Incentive Counselor information

See salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do certified work incentive counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified work incentive counselor in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified work incentive counselor?

A Certified Work Incentive Counselor is a professional trained to help individuals with disabilities understand how employment may affect their public benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid. They provide guidance on work incentives and support individuals in making informed decisions about working while maintaining necessary benefits. Their expertise helps people maximize their financial independence and successfully navigate complex benefits systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified work incentive counselor?

To thrive as a Certified Work Incentive Counselor, you need knowledge of Social Security disability benefits, employment services, and public assistance programs, typically supported by CWIC certification or similar credentials. Familiarity with benefits planning tools, case management software, and SSA reporting systems is vital. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and empathy help you effectively guide clients and coordinate with service providers. These skills are crucial for empowering individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions about employment while maintaining necessary supports.

What are some common challenges faced by certified work incentive counselors when assisting clients with disabilities?

Certified Work Incentive Counselors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex Social Security regulations, staying updated on frequent changes in benefits policies, and clearly communicating technical information to clients with varying needs. Building trust with clients who may be anxious about losing benefits due to employment is also a key challenge. Success in this role involves strong problem-solving skills and the ability to tailor guidance to individual circumstances while collaborating with agencies, employers, and support networks.

What is the difference between Certified Work Incentive Counselor vs Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?

AspectCertified Work Incentive CounselorVocational Rehabilitation Counselor
CredentialsCertification in Work IncentivesState licensure, often with a master's degree
Work EnvironmentFocus on helping individuals with disabilities navigate work incentives, often in social service agenciesAssist clients with employment and rehabilitation, typically in government or private agencies
Industry UsagePrimarily in social services, disability programs, and employment supportIn rehabilitation, mental health, and employment services sectors

The Certified Work Incentive Counselor specializes in guiding individuals on Social Security work incentives, while a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor provides broader employment and rehabilitation support. Both roles require related credentials and serve clients with disabilities, but their focus and work settings differ.

How to become a certified work incentive counselor?

To become a certified work incentive counselor, individuals typically need a relevant educational background such as a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field, along with experience in employment or social services. Certification often requires completing specialized training programs in work incentives and passing a certification exam from recognized organizations like the Social Security Administration or state agencies. Continuing education is also recommended to maintain certification and stay updated on policy changes.

What cities are hiring for Certified Work Incentive Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Certified Work Incentive Counselor job openings:

What states have the most Certified Work Incentive Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Certified Work Incentive Counselor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Certified Work Incentive Counselor jobs?

For Certified Work Incentive Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Certified Work Incentive Counselor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,812 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Certified Work Incentive Coordinator

Tulsa, OK • On-site

Family & Children's Services
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Family & Children's Servicesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Under immediate to general supervision, the CWIC provides counseling and assistance to individuals in the Benefits, Employment, and Education program who are considering or anticipating changes in their benefits situation. This position is to provide information and guidance to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment specialists and provide participants assistance in obtaining comprehensive, individualized work incentives planning. Work in partnership with others as part of a structured inter-disciplinary team, within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) model. Services are predominantly delivered to an adult population who carry a serious mental illness, substance abuse, co-occurring and/or medically co-morbid diagnosis.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist clients with applying to various benefits
  • Provide guidance on benefits, work incentives, and employment services available to consumers.
  • Provide comprehensive, individualized work incentives planning for participants prior to job start
  • Provide information and assistance about reporting earnings to Social Security Administration (SSA), housing programs, etc., depending on the person's benefits.
  • Facilitate access to work incentives planning when clients need to make decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
  • Work incentives planning includes SSA benefits, medical benefits, medication subsidies, housing subsidies, food stamps, spouse and dependent children benefits, past job retirement benefits and other source of income.
  • Provide information to beneficiaries on health benefits coverage options that may be available.
  • Show knowledge of SSA's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs and work incentives as well as other federal, state, and local work incentive programs and be able to communicate this knowledge in an effective and easy-to-understand manner.
  • Provide presentations and outreach to the community, in accordance with SSA guidelines.
  • Promote employment and self-sufficiency through the use of work incentives.
  • Maintain effective and ongoing communication with the IPS team(s).
  • Collect information about community resources, bringing new information back to staff and adding to resource database.
  • Complete training by an accredited institution, Cornell University or the University of Virginia Commonwealth.
  • Attend IPS 101 training
  • Complete continuing education and training necessary to maintain certifications.
  • Attend IPS supervision meetings and consultation calls to ensure the highest level of professional practice.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant material.
  • Attend continuing education seminars and workshops to keep certifications current.
  • Develop and share recovery-oriented material with the assigned treatment team(s).
  • Actively seek new information to enhance the effectiveness of services.
  • Work with supervisor to establish contact with community partners and external referral sources for program presentations and following up with those organizations over time to identity new referrals.
  • Attend and participate in organizational meetings and treatment team meeting with multi-disciplinary team to utilize a team based care approach when working with clients.
  • Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
  • Demonstrates understanding of various best-practice treatment models to work with individuals with Serious Mental Illness, Co-occurring disorders, and trauma
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge on trauma informed evidenced based practices and co-occurring treatments

Bachelor's Degree in social services or similar field required. CWIC certification from Cornell University or University of Virginia Commonwealth, or be willing to obtain within first 6 months of employment. Case Management Certification or obtain by taking the first available Case Management II Certification course provided by ODMHSAS after hire. Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person served to live in normal community residences; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services. Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with mental illnesses and/or substance use issues and respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential. Knowledge of the service system, benefits, entitlements and supports utilized by people with disabilities. Must possess a valid Oklahoma Driver License and satisfactory driving record and use personal automobile to travel to locations other than primary office.
  • Preferred:
    • At least two years of documented experience working with persons with disabilities or personal experience with a disability preferred.
    • Minimum one-year experience in mental health care setting, preferably with Serious Mental Illness background

This job is classified as a "safety-sensitive" position as defined by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act. Due to the "safety-sensitive" classification, an employee in this position would be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana per the Family & Children's Services Drug Free Workplace Policy, including possible revocation of a job offer or dismissal from employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply