The Choice Group

At The Choice Group, we are delighted to bring you some exciting news – our Work Incentives Specialist team, also known as Benefits Counseling, is on the path of incredible growth! Recently, we've had the pleasure of welcoming new certified experts and the return of familiar faces to our ranks. They are committed to assisting our clients in navigating the complexities of Social Security and health benefits while pursuing their professional goals. Let's begin by introducing two exceptional individuals, Jamie Scott-Bryant and Terra Brubaker, both of whom are located in the Hampton Roads area. These remarkable professionals have successfully achieved their certification as Work Incentives Practitioners through Cornell University. Terra extends her services to clients in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk regions, while Jamie primarily focuses on assisting clients within The Choice Group's Ticket to Work program. With their expertise, we can be confident that our client’s benefits ...

“All my life I have had to prove people wrong… but I am not easily intimidated.” Alberto Gamboa shares about the career he has built, in spite of expectations from a young age that he would not accomplish much because of his disability.  Alberto was born in Columbia with Cerebral Palsy. Doctors feared he would not live, much less lead a successful life. He defied all expectations by making a life for himself and building a meaningful career that has lasted decades.   As a teenager, Alberto came to the United States and worked his way through college as a dishwasher in Florida. He began his professional career working with the children of migrant families through the Palm Beach County School Board and received a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership.  For twenty years, Alberto worked full time in spite of the physical limitations he experienced as a result of Cerebral Palsy. He began as a community resource facilitator for migrant families and grew wit...

Mary Chris Werner began working with Akia Turner in February of 2018 and has been employed at Zoup for over a year, where her and Mary Chris feel she is a great fit. Originally Akia was looking for a stocking position but Mary Chris helped open her up to the option of working in food services. Akia is diligent, hardworking and polite to her fellow employees and the customers she serves. She has great time management skills which help her with completing daily tasks on time and her personality is perfect for customer interaction. When she first started to apply and interview for jobs she was a little quiet and shy but has truly blossomed. This was her first job, therefore, she had to overcome the obstacles many face when starting a new position or beginning their first job. In the beginning she had trouble taking initiative, but being there for a year now, she has found her voice. She has shown improvement and helps when business picks up by increasing her hours as needed. She alw...

Pictured here are our Project SEARCH Norfolk Interns on their visit to various City of Norfolk resources during their workshop week. This helps the interns become more familiar with what services are out there for them as they are entering adulthood and the workforce. They have just finished their 2nd internship and will be starting their 3rd internship in the next week! We are so proud of all of the work they have done and everything they have accomplished thus far during their internship. Vocational Counselor, Rachel McGregor, shared this photo of the interns in-front of one of the buildings they visited and has had the pleasure of working with each one of them along their journey. 

Erin has been a vocational counselor with The Choice Group for 5 years working out of the Southwest region of Virginia. Erin specializes in Ticket To Work (TTW) and Work Incentive Specialist Advocacy (WISA) clients helping those who receive disability benefits make informed decisions about employment and finding alternatives for ongoing supports. Erin loves helping people accomplish their goals and that is why she is a perfect fit here at The Choice Group. Her most memorable experience was helping a client find their way back to a part-time job where they worked for several years before going into retirement. Erin enjoys working with clients at The Choice Group because it brings variety to the workplace every day. Erin continues to be a great asset here at The Choice Group and we are lucky to have her on our team!

Brianna has been a counselor with The Choice Group starting in June of this year serving the Southwest region of Virginia. Brianna works with clients to help them make informed decisions about options for ongoing supports and employment through the Work Incentive Specialist Advocacy service.  Although Brianna is a new addition to our team, she has fit in great with our other counselors. She enjoyed her time at orientation with her coworkers and looks forward to her growth within the company.  Brianna has 6 years of experience working in job coaching and loves that every day brings someone and something new.  We are excited to have Brianna on board and look forward to seeing her help clients change their lives!

Since starting with The Choice Group, Buddy Blatz has developed himself as both a leader and advocate in his field of work. Buddy is a Lead Counselor in the Central Region of Virginia and provides WISA and TTW services throughout most of the state. Buddy’s coworkers define him as being supportive and always “keeps it interesting" in meetings. He has become well known throughout the state as a knowledgeable and passionate WISA services expert. There is a common opinion among his colleagues who believe he is an inspiration in the work environment when it comes to being a resource and ally to those around him. Here are some of the things his colleagues had to say: "Buddy Blatz is a phenomenal man. I have so much honor and respect for him. Never in my three years at the Choice Group have I been inspired by someone as I have Buddy.  I work in Richmond with the WISA Program and he is always available to answer any question, help me with reports, come to my aide when ...

Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Specialist -Various locations within Virginia Do you have education or experience in human services and/or counseling, as well as experience and training in the implementation of state and federal benefits and work incentives? Put your skills and passions to work helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence, vocational success, and other goals. This is not an office job. Exact hours will depend on your clients' needs. You must have a valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, ability to plan your day and then shift gears, if necessary, to accommodate last-minute developments. We will consider part-time and full-time submissions. Job Description: Provide support to clients who are receiving disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplement Security Income (SSI) programs. Essential to this position is the ability to understand complex benefits and work incentive pr...