Social Security Benefits Caseworker

What is a Social Security Benefits Caseworker?

Duties

As a Social Security Benefits Caseworker, you are required to complete the following tasks effectively:

• Share information regarding advocacy and referral services that will be helpful to social security beneficiaries and their ability to obtain, maintain and uphold employment – i.e. support systems such as childcare, healthcare and transportation services.
• Conduct regular intakes to determine accurate data and look into client problems; provide key inputs regarding individual rights while properly handling individual casework.
• Contribute to educating and training social security beneficiaries on various work incentives available as well as service providers in public and private sectors, who can provide job opportunities and rehabilitation guidance when they are to return to the workforce.
• Collaborate with various civil rights or human services agencies for spreading awareness on social security benefits, and improving the prospects of Social Security beneficiaries to obtain good jobs.

Day In The Life

Accessing social security benefits can be a complex and overwhelming task for many individuals. This is why your role as a social security benefits caseworker is vital – you monitor and assist persons that are claiming benefits in accordance with the requirements of law. Since many strong claims are denied when first filed and need to be appealed or resubmitted, it is your job to collect vital data on the client’s current benefit status, provide a thorough assessment of work and earnings on such benefits, then share concrete solutions regarding which benefit management plan will be appropriate given the circumstances.

To submit a successful claim, you will need to work with experts in related fields like law, psychology, medicine, social work, etc. Since this task can be too taxing for those with disabilities, illness and serious injury, your role makes a big difference in their lives. You are tasked with assembling the necessary evidence, following applicable guidelines and submitting the documentation with supporting materials. You will also be spending time outside the office when representing some of your clients for the claims process.

Work Schedule

Working as a social security benefits caseworker is typically full-time and is performed in a standard office setting with no environmental risks. The caseloads can be demanding, and a large quantity of paperwork is required. However, you must demonstrate the ability to work in a multicultural and fast-paced setting. In case you have to commute to clients’ residences, you should possess a valid driver’s license and may have to own a reliable vehicle with care insurance for occasional travel.

Growth Of The Job

Typically, social benefits casework job opportunities are public sector jobs. Caseworkers are usually hired by county departments of social services as well, to provide support for clients requiring public assistance and related public services. As social welfare policies shift the focus from benefit-based pro- grams to work-based initiatives, demand will increase for people who can teach job skills to the people who are new to, or returning to, the workforce. Competition for such jobs is expected to be highest in urban areas, where training programs are more prevalent.

Typical Employers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job prospects for those in the caseworker profession is expected to rise much faster than the average for all other occupations, ranking this work area as one of the most rapidly growing. In particular, job employment in private companies will increase as much as state and local governments, as they undertake contractual services to keep costs within budget.