SOAR Specialist

Job Title:

SOAR Specialist

Reports to:

SOAR Program Manager

Status:
Non-Exempt

Grade: A06

Salary:
Dependent on Qualifications

Position Summary:

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at-risk for homelessness who have serious mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder or other severe medical impairments apply for Social Security disability benefits.

The SOAR Specialist will report to the SOAR Program Manager. The SOAR Specialist will assist with the coordination of the intake and referral process. This individual will assist with following up on all referrals, obtaining pertinent additional information, or performing SOAR services, including requesting and obtaining SSI/SSDI award letters and retirement applications. The SOAR Specialist's main duties will fall within SOAR applications, in which the Specialist will complete SOAR applications for eligible individuals within the program.

The SOAR Specialist must be able to work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness. This position requires at least 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have a serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorder; evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness; an ability to work in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments;

and a valid state driver's license with a clean driving record. The position requires someone who is organized and has the ability to prioritize tasks quickly. The SOAR Specialist will also attend any certification training as required by the state.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Complete initial applications using SOAR Critical Components, including:
  • Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
  • Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
  • Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
  • Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration.
  • Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application.
  • Complete Reconsideration applications using the SOAR Appeal Toolkit when/if appropriate for clients of Heading Home.
• Communicate updates and issues that arise with HH SOAR Program Director.
• Track and record progress and present regular updates to supervisors and clients.
• Record Track SOAR Application results in Outcomes Application Tracking and internal data systems.
• Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management services to individuals when needed.
• Runs referral system by migrating referrals to database, contacts referrals to schedule assessments
• Assist the team with administrative tasks as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

The responsibility of all Heading Home employees includes the following:

• Always represent and promote Heading Home in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality in keeping with Heading Home Policies.
• Attend all staff and organizational meetings as required.
• Observe and practice safe work habits and practices in compliance with regulations, statutes, and organizational policies.
• Maintain client, resident, guest, and organizational confidentiality in compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Read, understand, and comply with all Heading Home Employee Handbook guidelines.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, think strategically and act quickly, and work well with others in a wide range of situations. The person will also have demonstrated capacity in program management and task delegation.

The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Successful completion of the SOAR Online Course Curriculum or the ability to complete the online training course.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer experience, including troubleshooting and problem-solving, and proficiency in Google, PDF editors, MS Office applications (Word, Excel), and database management.
• Exceptional writing and reading comprehension skill,s and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with a challenging population and in non-traditional work conditions.

Education and/or

Experience:

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED and prior experience in Case Management, disability services, or acute behavioral health is required OR
• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a social…