Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is seeking a Benefit Specialist Manager to lead our Benefits Counseling Program. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supervising a statewide team while directly supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment and financial goals.
About the Role
As Benefit Specialist Manager, you'll provide leadership, training, and supervision to ERI staff, subcontractors, and benefits specialists across Wisconsin. You'll ensure program excellence through strategic management, team development, and direct service delivery—helping people navigate public and private benefits as they pursue employment opportunities.
What You'll Do
Lead and Develop Your Team
- Supervise and mentor Benefits Counseling Program staff
- Conduct evaluations, provide feedback, and foster professional growth
- Create a collaborative team environment focused on high performance
Manage Program Excellence
- Ensure compliance with contractual requirements and organizational standards
- Set strategic goals for enrollment, services, and outcomes
- Analyze data for continuous program improvement
- Manage subcontractor relationships and reporting requirements
Grow Program Impact
- Identify opportunities to expand program offerings aligned with ERI's mission
- Build strong relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders
- Participate in committees and workgroups to share expertise
- Actively coordinate, and participate in marketing and outreach efforts to raise visibility of service area offerings
Provide Direct Benefits Counseling
- Assist Social Security beneficiaries with employment decision-making
- Verify benefits and analyze complex benefit situations
- Communicate solutions clearly in written and verbal formats
Deliver Training and Technical Assistance
- Lead Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network (WDBN) training projects
- Design, develop, and deliver benefits counseling education
- Present at local, state, and national conferences
- Collaborate with government agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations
What You Bring
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, vocational rehabilitation, special education, or related field
- 5 years of experience developing, implementing, and analyzing similar programs
- 5 years providing employment or benefits counseling to individuals with disabilities
- Supervisory experience
- Strong knowledge of public benefits systems, disability employment services, and counseling techniques
- Valid Wisconsin driver's license and auto insurance
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Skills That Set You Apart:
- Analytical problem-solving with complex information
- Independent work style with strong team collaboration
- Excellent prioritization and deadline management
- Adaptability and creative problem-solving under pressure
- Clear communication across diverse audiences
- Accountability and confidentiality
What We Offer
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $60,000 - $70,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Comprehensive health benefits package
- Generous holiday and paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Work Environment
- Flexible and creative hybrid work environment
- Collaborative culture that values innovation
- All necessary equipment provided
- Work-life balance commitment
Impact & Growth
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities
- Work with a dedicated team passionate about our mission
- Contribute to state and national policy discussions
About ERI
Employment Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing employment opportunities and enhancing the well-being of individuals with disabilities. We pride ourselves on:
- Collaborative Culture: Evidence-based practices and strong community partnerships
- Innovation: Cutting-edge use of technology and comprehensive training programs
- Impact: Active participation in policy discussions and advocacy for systemic change in disability employment
- Reputation: Respected leader at state and national levels in vocational rehabilitation services
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and passion for disability employment services to jobs@eri-wi.org.
Please note: Both a cover letter and a resume are required for consideration.
Timeline: This search is open until it is filled. Early applications are encouraged.