Beyond the Award Letter: Expanding Your Advocacy to Include Economic Empowerment Through Work – 2026 Spring National Conference – Track I (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)

Stephanie Whelan, LISW-CP, LICSW, Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations | EmployReward Solutions (ERS)

Stephanie Whelan, LISW-CP, LICSW is the Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations at EmployReward Solutions (ERS), a national Employment Network under the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program. In this role, she drives strategic workforce initiatives and operational excellence to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities. Stephanie holds dual licensure as a Licensed Independent Social Worker — certified in South Carolina (LISW-CP) and licensed in Massachusetts (LICSW) — bringing a clinical and human-centered perspective to the intersection of disability, workforce development, and program operations.

• Education & Credentials

Stephanie holds dual social work licensure as a Licensed Independent Social Worker — certified in South Carolina (LISW-CP) and licensed in Massachusetts (LICSW). These clinical credentials reflect advanced training in social work practice and her commitment to bringing a person-centered, strengths-based approach to workforce strategy and disability employment services. Her licensure in two states underscores the breadth of her professional standing and the rigor of her clinical and operational background. (Specific academic credentials are not included in the provided biography.)

• Recognition & Leadership

As Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations at ERS, Stephanie holds a leadership role at the intersection of clinical social work, workforce development, and Ticket to Work program management. Her dual LISW licensure distinguishes her within the Employment Network space, where clinical expertise is a significant asset in designing and delivering services that meet the complex needs of Social Security beneficiaries pursuing employment. Her commitment to operational excellence and strategic workforce initiatives reflects a professional philosophy centered on empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve sustainable employment and greater independence.

• Professional Involvement

Stephanie’s professional involvement bridges clinical social work practice and disability employment program operations. As Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations at ERS, she leads initiatives that
align the organization’s workforce programs with the needs of ticketholders and the operational requirements of a national Employment Network. Her LISW credentials bring a clinical lens to program design and service delivery — ensuring that the human dimensions of disability, employment, and benefits intersect in ways that genuinely support individuals on their path to self-sufficiency.

• Experience

Stephanie’s background in licensed clinical social work informs every dimension of her role as Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations at EmployReward Solutions. At ERS — a national Employment Network under the SSA’s Ticket to Work Program — she leads workforce strategy and operational functions designed to help Social Security beneficiaries access and sustain meaningful employment. Her dual licensure as an LISW in South Carolina and Massachusetts reflects a depth of clinical training that equips her to approach workforce development with the empathy, rigor, and person-centered values that define effective disability employment services.

Rob Pfaff, Chief Operating Officer | EmployReward Solutions (ERS)

Rob Pfaff is the Chief Operating Officer of EmployReward Solutions (ERS), bringing over 25 years of federal leadership experience in disability policy, program operations, and employment support. Before joining ERS, he served as Director of the Office of Employment Support at the Social Security Administration, where he led the Ticket to Work Program and related initiatives designed to help SSA beneficiaries achieve self-sufficiency through employment. His federal career also included roles as Director in SSA’s Office of Medical and Vocational Expertise, disability adjudicator, vocational rehabilitation specialist, and a detail to the U.S. House of Representatives Social Security Subcommittee. His leadership has influenced national disability policy, expanded access to benefits and employment for underserved communities, and strengthened cross-sector collaboration on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

• Education & Credentials

Rob’s credentials are anchored in more than 25 years of senior federal service at the Social Security Administration. He has held roles spanning disability adjudication, vocational rehabilitation, program management, and executive leadership — including Director of SSA’s Office of Employment Support and Director in the Office of Medical and Vocational Expertise. His detail to the U.S. House of Representatives Social Security Subcommittee reflects the cross-institutional trust he earned through his federal career. (Specific academic credentials are not included in the provided biography.)

• Recognition & Leadership

Rob’s leadership at the federal level has had measurable national impact. As Director of SSA’s Office of Employment Support, he led the Ticket to Work Program — one of the federal government’s principal mechanisms for helping disability beneficiaries transition to employment and self-sufficiency. His policy influence has expanded access to benefits and employment for underserved communities and advanced cross-sector collaboration in the disability services space. He now brings that experience to bear as COO of EmployReward Solutions, where he continues to shape how employment support is delivered to Social Security beneficiaries nationwide.

• Professional Involvement

Rob’s professional engagement spans federal policy, program administration, and the private disability employment sector. During his federal career, he worked across SSA’s program, medical, and vocational operations and engaged directly with Congress through his detail to the Social Security Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. At ERS, he continues that tradition of cross-sector collaboration, working to align mission-driven employment support with the operational and compliance demands of a national Employment Network serving Social Security beneficiaries.

• Experience

Rob’s career spans more than 25 years of federal service at the Social Security Administration in roles of increasing responsibility — from disability adjudicator and vocational rehabilitation specialist to director-level leadership in SSA’s employment support and medical vocational expertise offices. As Director of the Office of Employment Support, he led the Ticket to Work Program and helped shape national policy on
disability and employment. A detail to the House Social Security Subcommittee further broadened his policy perspective. As COO of EmployReward Solutions, he now applies that deep institutional knowledge to lead operations for a national Employment Network committed to helping Social Security beneficiaries achieve economic independence through employment.

Tripp Carter, Vice President of Compliance & Special Projects | EmployReward Solutions (ERS)

Tripp Carter is Vice President of Compliance & Special Projects at EmployReward Solutions (ERS), a national Employment Network under the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program. Since joining ERS in 2010, he has contributed across the full scope of the organization’s growth — leading strategic partnerships, operational improvements, and software development alongside hands-on service delivery. With nearly 15 years of experience, Tripp specializes in program compliance, inclusive recruitment partnerships, and leveraging technology to improve outcomes for ticketholders and employers. He is a committed advocate for disability inclusion and works to connect mission-driven services with measurable, real-world results.

• Education & Credentials

Tripp brings nearly 15 years of specialized experience in the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program to his role at ERS. His expertise spans program compliance, inclusive employment partnerships, technology-driven service delivery, and operational leadership within a national Employment Network — a combination that reflects both practical and strategic depth in the disability employment field. (Specific academic credentials are not included in the provided biography.)

• Recognition & Leadership

Tripp’s tenure at ERS since 2010 and his advancement to Vice President of Compliance & Special Projects reflect the organization’s confidence in his expertise and leadership. Over nearly 15 years, he has contributed to ERS’s growth at every level — from direct service delivery to strategic partnership development and software innovation. His focus on connecting mission-driven services with measurable outcomes has positioned ERS as an effective and forward-looking Employment Network within the Ticket to Work ecosystem, and his advocacy for disability inclusion gives his compliance and operational work a clear sense of purpose.

• Professional Involvement

Tripp is actively engaged in advancing disability inclusion through strategic partnerships, compliance leadership, and technology innovation at ERS. His work in inclusive recruitment partnerships reflects a commitment to connecting employers with disability-inclusive hiring practices and ticketholders with meaningful employment opportunities. His involvement in software development at ERS demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to improving the systems that support beneficiaries, employers, and the Employment Network infrastructure — an increasingly important dimension of effective Ticket to Work program delivery.

• Experience

Tripp has been with EmployReward Solutions since 2010, building nearly 15 years of experience across compliance, operations, partnerships, and technology in the Ticket to Work program space. His career at ERS has spanned hands-on service delivery and executive-level leadership, giving him a ground-level and strategic understanding of how Employment Networks can most effectively serve Social Security beneficiaries. As Vice President of Compliance & Special Projects, he leads the organization’s compliance function and drives special initiatives that advance ERS’s mission of supporting disability inclusion and employment — combining operational rigor with a genuine commitment to the individuals ERS serves.

I. Employment Networks (ENs) | 2:45pm – 3:00pm

This session examines how Employment Networks assist Social Security disability beneficiaries in pursuing sustainable employment opportunities. Attorneys will learn how ENs provide job placement support, career development services, and ongoing employment assistance under the Ticket to Work program. The discussion will highlight how legal advocates can coordinate with ENs to support clients transitioning from benefits to work. Participants will also explore how EN partnerships can help clients maintain stability while building long-term economic independence.

II. State Vocational Rehabilitation | 3:00pm – 3:15pm

This session explores the role of State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies in helping individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Attorneys will gain insight into the services offered, including vocational assessments, training, education, and job placement support. The program will also address how legal representatives can collaborate with vocational rehabilitation counselors to align employment goals with clients’ functional abilities and long-term plans. Participants will better understand how these services support clients seeking greater financial independence.

III. Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA) | 3:15pm – 3:30pm

This session focuses on how WIPA programs provide individualized benefits counseling for Social Security beneficiaries considering employment. Attorneys will learn how WIPA specialists explain complex work incentive rules, earnings thresholds, and reporting requirements. The discussion will highlight how accurate benefits planning can reduce the risk of overpayments and unexpected benefit loss. Participants will also explore how legal advocates can incorporate WIPA counseling into broader client advocacy strategies.

IV. State Workforce | 3:30pm – 3:45pm

This session examines the role of state workforce systems in supporting individuals with disabilities who are entering or reentering the labor market. Attorneys will learn how workforce agencies provide job training, career counseling, and employment resources through workforce development programs. The discussion will highlight opportunities for collaboration between legal advocates and workforce professionals to expand employment pathways for beneficiaries. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how workforce initiatives can complement disability advocacy efforts.

V. Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) | 3:45pm – 4:00pm

This session explores how PABSS programs provide legal advocacy for Social Security beneficiaries who face barriers to employment. Attorneys will learn how PABSS representatives address issues such as workplace discrimination, employment rights, and access to necessary services. The discussion will highlight strategies for resolving disputes that may prevent beneficiaries from pursuing or maintaining employment. Participants will also examine how collaboration with PABSS can strengthen legal support for clients seeking greater economic independence.