SPARK BENEFITS COUNSELOR

Apis Services Inc • Raleigh, NC

1h • Hybrid

About The Position

The SPARK Benefits Counselor, through the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, helps people with disabilities interested in working understand the impact their wages will have on their Social Security and other government benefits. Benefits counselors help job seekers understand the potential benefits of employment for a person receiving disability benefits from Social Security. The benefits counselor provides accurate work incentives planning and assistance to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries; collaborates with SSA personnel and provides outreach activities that promote effective use of available work incentives to encourage successful competitive integrated employment outcomes.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have clean background record.
• Certified Work Incentive Counselor
• Previously demonstrated experience working in the field of employment services, working with persons from diverse backgrounds or persons with barriers to competitive employment.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License with clean Driving Record and proof of current insurance.
• Must have NCI CORE certification.
• May be required to receive Hepatitis B Immunization.
• May be required to obtain First Aid Certification/CPR.
• May be required to have Medication Administration Certification
• Basic math skills; deductive ability with analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and demonstrated ability to utilize these resources effectively.
• Ability to interpret Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and administrative codes on public benefits.
• Ability to maintain documentation in a concise, accurate and timely fashion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• An understanding of the philosophy of community-based and work programs.
• Must have computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office.
• Current driver’s license, driver registration and a functional vehicle
• Telephone: Cellular - Multi-line, Calculator, Copier, Fax, Computer
• Has knowledge of each program
• Knowledge of Office software programs
• Maintain and abides by OSHA requirements and guidelines
• Observes all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures
• Observes all Fiscal/Office/ HR Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Observes all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintains confidentiality
• Attends all required and scheduled trainings and meetings
• Always maintain a professional demeanor and exercise good judgement in all areas of employment duties
• Individual must be able to meet physical requirements of the job:
• Sitting at a meeting table or desk
• Lifting – 50lbs or more
• Reaching – Lifting – Bending – Standing – Stooping – Twisting - Climbing steps - Driving a vehicle
• Bloodborne Pathogens, Right To Know, HIPAA, Security Acts, Fire & Safety

Nice To Haves

• From time-to-time you may be requested to perform other duties essential in the effective management of this facility. Although these duties may not be identified in this written job description, you will be required to perform such tasks, providing the proper training of such duties has been given to you. A well-trained and cross-trained staff is essential in this organization. Your job knowledge in all areas of your field will benefit both you and this organization.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to Wake Enterprises Code of Ethics at all times.
• Assures that no person is subject to abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation.
• Recognizes obligation to immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation.
• Analyze how work and earnings may impact SSI, SSDI, healthcare and other public benefits for individuals interested in Competitive Integrated Employment.
• Explain the services offered by North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (NCVR) or other agencies and how they might help the individual.
• Provide proactive follow-up services to ensure that work incentives are properly applied and resolve benefit-related problems.
• Provide accurate information about SSDI and SSI work incentives, including the Ticket to Work initiative.
• Offer long-term work incentives management on a scheduled, continuous basis to support employment efforts.
• Provide ongoing, comprehensive work incentives monitoring and management assistance to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries.
• Confer with SPARK Navigator to complete work plans, conduct regular reviews of client outcomes, and modify plans as needed.
• Maintain ongoing close contact with Social Security Administration personnel, Area Work Incentive Coordinators, and Work Incentive Liaisons.
• Maintain records regarding clients served per Social Security Administration requirements.
• Document specific client services provided, including confidential client data, contacts with clients, the Social Security Administration, support systems, and employment programs.
• Must have reliable transportation and use your personal vehicle to attend meetings and may be required to transport participants.
• Maintains case files.
• Writes detailed case notes.
• Tracks program/grant required statistics and summarizes in report form.
• Attend all mandatory agency trainings and attend all trainings and meetings as scheduled.
• Assures confidentiality of person(s) being served.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Other duties as assigned by management.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with participants, staff and other professionals.
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Communicates effectively in oral and written form.
• Reads, analyzes, and interprets participant data.
• Applies common sense to solve problems.
• Follows and enforces safety regulations, including OSHA requirements.
• Dresses appropriately for the workplace.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area.
• Completes cleaning duties around the building and on the grounds as assigned.
• Receive referrals, conduct initial interviews, and develop service plans.
• Respects and maintains the confidentiality of participant information.
• Observes work hours and is punctual for appointments and meetings.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.
• All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.
• This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed