Income Maintenance Caseworker

Program Overview

Prepare for a rewarding career in human services. The Income Maintenance Caseworker program at Johnston Community College trains you to work in county Departments of Social Services (DSS) and related agencies.

You will complete two required phases, starting with core workplace and customer service skills, then advancing to hands-on training in the NC FAST system used across North Carolina. Each phase builds job-ready skills and credentials employers value.

What You Need to Know

  • You need to successfully complete Phase 1 before enrolling in Phase 2
  • You need to become proficient in using the NC FAST system
  • You need to Communicate clearly with clients

What You’ll Learn

Phase 1: Human Services Exploration | DSS Caseworker, you will develop essential employability and workplace skills, including:

  • ACT® WorkKeys Assessment - Earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a recognized credential that showcases your workplace competencies.

  • Keyboarding Proficiency -  Enhance your typing skills to improve efficiency in daily tasks.
    Customer Service Training: Learn effective communication strategies to serve clients professionally.

  • NC FAST System Navigation - in familiarity with the North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) system, essential for modern case management.

Phase 2: Income Maintenance Caseworker – NC FAST, you will build on your foundation and gain job-specific skills, including:

Prerequisite - Successful completion of Human Services Exploration | DSS Caseworker (Phase 1).

Building upon the foundational knowledge from Phase 1, this course delves into the specific responsibilities of an Income Maintenance Caseworker. Emphasis is placed on:

  • NC FAST Application Proficiency - Develop the ability to navigate and utilize the NC FAST system effectively to determine client eligibility for services.
  • Enhanced Communication and Interviewing Skills - Learn techniques to gather accurate client information and provide clear guidance.
  • Time Management - Master strategies to manage caseloads efficiently.
  • Data Management - Acquire skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting to support decision-making processes.

Career Opportunities

After completing Phase 1, you'll develop foundational skills and earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), preparing you for entry-level roles in human services such as.

Administrative Support Roles - Utilize your customer service and keyboarding skills in clerical positions within social services agencies.

Human Services Assistant - Assist caseworkers by managing client information and supporting service delivery.

NC FAST System Navigator - Apply your familiarity with the NC FAST system to help clients access services.

These roles can serve as stepping stones toward becoming an Income Maintenance Caseworker.

After completing Phase 2, you are equipped for more specialized positions,such as:

Income Maintenance Caseworker II - Determine eligibility for programs like Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, and Work First.

Eligibility Specialist - Focus on assessing client qualifications for various assistance programs.

Case Management Roles - Manage client cases, ensuring compliance with program requirements and timely service delivery.

These positions often require proficiency in the NC FAST system and strong communication skills.

Learn More About This Field

Upcoming Classes

Dates Days & Times Location Register By

04/13/26 - 06/03/26

Course ID - 80704
Code - HRD-4000-06U

Monday & Wednesday
6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m

Main Campus

04/03/2026

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Registration Fee: Tuition and fees for Human Resources Development (HRD) classes may be waived for individuals who meet specific criteria.

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