SPARK BENEFITS COUNSELOR

Responsibilities

• Direct Duties
• 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.
• Maintain 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.
• Maintains confidentiality of person(s) being served.
• Dates worked accurately.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have clean background record.
• 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.

Skills

• 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.