Benefits Counselor

About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work To provide benefits counseling to 150 or more qualified individuals, informing them of the effects of employment income on disability and other benefits. This involves one on one counseling either face to face or virtual. A report is generated on the outcome of each assessment. A small amount of time is devoted to program outreach. Information is also provided on program and state work incentives which allows a person to work and receive benefits while testing work. Benefits counselors work in collaboration with public benefits agencies to ensure that consumers and service providers receive accurate, updated benefits information. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Range: $32,287 -$56,502 Recruitment Range: $32,287-$50,448 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Management Preferences are not required, but applicants that possess these skills are preferred. Work well with individuals with disabilities and individuals who assist them. Competencies in math, be able to write and analyze reports. Must be able to work independently. Management Preferred: Possess the credential of Certified Benefits Counselor or attain this credential from Virginia Commonwealth University upon securing employment. Position is %100 funded through federal funds. Position is eligible for a hybrid-teleworking schedule to include weekly onsite work hours. Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date. About Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) The DHHS Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) promotes employment and independence for people with disabilities through customer partnership and community leadership. EIPD helps people with disabilities achieve their goals for competitive employment and more independent living in communities statewide. To learn more about EIPD: Compensation and Benefits The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Equal Opportunity Employer The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Background Checks and Eligibility Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. Veterans’ and National Guard Preference: Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of their DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in a discipline relative to the program served from an appropriately accredited institution; or Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience in an area related to program that provides experience in techniques of casework or counseling; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr