Become certified to provide Work Incentives planning services

Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies report that a key contributor to successful employment outcomes is the availability of Benefits Counseling services for beneficiaries. To gain and retain this expertise, Social Security's Ticket to Work program service providers are encouraged to have a staff person who will be providing benefits counseling to beneficiaries complete Social Security’s Community Partner Work Incentives Counseling Initial Training and certification process offered by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) National Training and Data Center (NTDC). 

See the complete calendar at vcu-ntdc.org/training/initial/calendar.cfm and check out the training opportunities coming soon:

• February 25 - March 1, 2019, in Phoenix, AZ: Hurry! Registration closes January 7, 2019
• March 25 - 29, 2019, in Pittsburgh, PA: Registration is January 23 - February 13, 2019

This rigorous training is free; however, space is limited and participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging and meals.

For a basic understanding of Work Incentives and benefits – NTDC also offers a web course that provides basic information about the Social Security disability benefit programs and associated Work Incentives. The “Introduction to Social Security Disability Benefits, Work Incentives, and Employment Support Programs” web course is an excellent way to get an overview of Work Incentives planning. Check the calendar and reserve your spot.

Contact Julie Schall at jaschall@vcu.edu or 1-804-827-0741 with questions about how to register and what level of training is best for you.