2024 WIP-C Webinar 1 Notes

Work Incentive Planning, Professional Standards, and SSA Overview

Introduction

• Work Incentive Support Center (WISC): Provides training and support for work incentive planning practitioners. Part of the Yang-Tan Institute at Cornell University.
• Webinar Focus: Credentialing process, ethical standards, SSA disability programs.

Legal Notice

• Cornell ILR owns exclusive rights to WIP-C content.
• Content provided without warranties; Cornell ILR is not liable for damages.

Today's Class Topics

• Course and Credentialing
• Work Incentive Planning
• Ethical and Professional Standards
• Social Security Administration (SSA) Programs

Course and Credentialing

• Email Contacts: Add WISC team emails to contacts to avoid spam filters.
• Credentialing Process:
  • Attend webinars. Miss up to 3 sessions but must complete missed sessions.
  • Online open-resource exam post-course; 3 attempts allowed.
  • Submit a live case file for credentialing post-exam.
  • Maintain 36 hours of CEUs over 3 years.
• Course Websites:
  • Moodle for webinars and course materials.
  • Portal for post-exam activities and CEU tracking.

The Manual

• Divided into three parts focusing on Title 2 and SSI benefits, federal programs, and benefits practice.
• Types of Tips: Case studies, examples, law & policy, procedure, tools.

Work Incentive Planning

• Field Growth: Increased practitioners since the Ticket to Work Act.
• Impact: Increase in employment and earnings among beneficiaries.
• Definition: Enhances self-sufficiency, promotes informed choice and work advancement, reduces reliance on public benefits.
• Practice Domains:
  • Outreach, data collection, benefits analysis, support planning, and assistance.
• Major Practice Domains: Based on research: Benefits Screening, Advisement, and Management.

Ethical Considerations and Professional Standards

• Importance: Address sensitive life issues and vulnerable populations.
• Code of Conduct: Integrity, competence, social responsibility, confidentiality.
• Ethical Principles: Maintain competence, protect consumer interests, avoid conflicts of interest.
• Examples of Dilemmas: Choosing jobs and accepting gifts.

Social Security Administration (SSA) Programs

• SSA: Independent agency with vast regional and field office network.
• Disability Programs:
  • Title 2 (SSDI, CDB, DWB): Insurance-based, cash benefits to disabled workers.
  • Title 16 (SSI): Means-tested, income for aged, blind, or disabled.
• Eligibility: Based on inability to engage in significant work activity due to impairment.

Summary

• Completion of the course requires passing an exam and a live client file.
• Importance of adhering to ethical standards in growing field.
• Understanding SSA’s Title 2 and SSI programs is crucial.

Additional Information

• Homework: Available on Moodle, not required but helpful.
• Contact Information: K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute, Cornell University.