Program Director - Benefit Services (VR Program Director)

Benefits

Additional Information

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Education - Agency 13 Location: Statewide, NE Hiring Rate: $40.574 Job Posting: JR2026-00027036 Program Director - Benefit Services (VR Program Director) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 06-24-2026 Job Description: Do you enjoy understanding how benefit programs work and helping others navigate them? This might be exactly the role you've been looking for! As VR Program Director of Benefit Services, you'll support VR staff across Nebraska with guidance on benefit services, Ticket to Work, and cost reimbursement - drawing on your knowledge of benefit program policies, social security benefits, and service agreements. It's detail-oriented, policy-grounded work with real purpose behind it - directly supporting the teams helping Nebraskans with disabilities reach meaningful employment. If this sounds like your wheelhouse, we'd love to hear from you. **The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.** Office Location: This position will be assigned to one of our Nebraska VR offices in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island, Columbus, Norfolk, Lincoln, or Omaha. Pay Grade 11: $84,393.74/year ($85,448.66/year after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026) This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $31,800 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more! Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that's $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return Thirteen paid holidays per year Essential Functions Facilitates training for Benefits Orientation Specialists, including completing orientation and Federal, State, and local client benefit programs. Maintains and updates policies and processes related to Benefits referrals in order to provide continuous improvement on services provided to clients. Reviews data reports for qualitative and quantitative analysis, and completes focused case reviews to ensure clients' use of work incentives is fully supported and cost reimbursement is maximized. Collaborates to analyze data and identify opportunities to benefit beneficiaries, the cost reimbursement program, and ticket reassignment to employment networks. Manages service agreements, assesses quality of provided services and resolves issues, and maintains communication to meet program objectives. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with benefit services providers and provides training on referral, authorization, reporting, and billing processes. Researches, identifies, and develops enhancements to Nebraska VR's benefits orientation and services provisions to increase utilization of work incentives, reduce reliance on SSA benefits, and foster agency goals to support economic self-sufficiency. Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver's license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings. Working Conditions and Travel : This position requires approximately 70% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 30% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as other Nebraska VR offices, businesses, and partnering organizations. There is also approximately seven days of overnight travel per year. Requirements / Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of experience related to the essential functions of the position. Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Preferred Qualifications: Experience successfully working with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders and teams in order to ensure equitable delivery of services to people with disabilities. If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov . If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/