Roles and functions of benefits counseling specialists: A multi-trait analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the roles and functions of benefits counseling specialists. One-hundred and forty-eight benefits counseling specialists rated the Benefits Specialists Practice Inventory -Revised using a 5-point importance rating scale. Data were analyzed using multi-trait analysis. The multi-trait analysis tentatively supported the three-factor structure of the Benefits Specialists Practice Inventory -Revised, indicating that benefits screening (M = 4.43, SD = 0.47), benefits advisement (M = 4.49, SD = 0.56), and benefits management (M = 4.07, SD = 0.88) are most central to the job performance of benefits counseling specialists. In addition, benefits counseling specialists in the current study rated themselves as relatively well prepared to perform these benefits counseling job functions, with benefits advisement rated the highest (M = 4.23, SD = 0.76), followed by benefits screening (M = 4.15, SD = 0.70), and then by benefits management (M = 3.75, SD = 0.96). However, multi-trait analysis also suggested that there might be more than three essential job functions for benefits counseling specialists and more comprehensive research in the future is warranted.

Early findings from the Wisconsin PROMISE project: Implications for policy and practice

“…As youth and family members work, they may need help navigating the youth and family member public benefits. Work incentive benefits counseling (WIBC) provides informed choice to individuals on how employment income and savings will impact their disability monetary and health benefits (Lui et al, 2010). WIBC is significantly related to increases in beneficiary work and earnings (Delin, Hartman, & Sell, 2012;Kregel, 2012;Schimmel, O'Day, Roche, Livermore, & Harris, 2010;Tremblay, Smith, Xie, & Drake, 2004).…”

The impact of work incentives benefits counseling on employment outcomes of transition-age youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

“…Transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities both had higher rates of competitive integrated employment when connecting with vocational rehabilitation services (Kaya et al, 2016). Work incentives benefits counseling provided in conjunction with VR services should be considered a necessary intervention for all people seeking employment who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI, or public medical benefits such as Medicaid or Medicare (Hartman et al, 2015;Leahy et al, 2014;Lui et al, 2010). Work incentive benefits counseling has been shown to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities by increasing their employment rates and income (Delin et al, 2012;Hartman et al, 2015;Leahy et al, 2014;Tremblay et al, 2004;.…”

“…A number of factors, including: poverty, globalization, unemployment rate, employer attitudes, and perceived loss of benefits, contribute to the disparity in employment rates between these two groups of individuals (Baldwin, 1999;Bernell, 2000;Burkhauser, Houtenville, & Wittenburg, 2003;Switzer, 2003). Research has shown that many individuals with disabilities want to work in competitive integrated employment but may be afraid of losing public benefits as a result of increased employment activity and income (Hartman, Anderson, Chan, Fried, & Lui, 2015;Lui et al, 2010;McDonough & Revell, 2010;Tremblay, Smith, Xie, & Drake, 2006). Those receiving SSA benefits frequently do not understand how employment will change their benefits or may be unacquainted with the work incentives already built into SSA programs.…”

“…Those receiving SSA benefits frequently do not understand how employment will change their benefits or may be unacquainted with the work incentives already built into SSA programs. This uncertainty contributes to underemployment and unemployment within this population (Lui et al, 2010;Tremblay et al, 2006;Tremblay, Smith, Xie, & Drake, 2004).…”

“…Work incentive benefit specialists provide education about the possible effects employment and increased income may have on the benefits consumers receive through SSA (Delin, Hartman, & Sell, 2012;Luecking & Wittenburg, 2007). This service assists and supports consumers, so they can make educated decisions about work and utilize the existing incentives already established in federal and state programs (Delin et al, 2012;Hartman et al, 2010;Lui et al, 2010;Tremblay et al, 2004).…”