Social Service Counselor , Or - Soars - Appointment

Why work for CLHSD?

• Vision: CLHSD excels at making lives better.
• Mission
  : to increase public awareness of and to provide access for individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities.
• Philosophy
  : to integrate community-based services while promoting wellness, recovery, and independence through education and choice of a broad range of programmatic and community resources.

We’re looking for a Social Service Counselor 1, 2, or 3 to serve as a SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Case Manager will be responsible for assisting eligible individuals with the SSI/SSDI application process by gathering documentation, coordinating services, and providing case management support. This position requires strong organizational skills, the ability to engage a challenging population, and flexibility to work in community-based and non-traditional settings.

An ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers.
• Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
• Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.
• Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
• Acting Decisively: The ability to make timely, confident decisions using sound reason.
• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies.
• Managing Time: The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate time to ensure timely completion of work goals.
• Thinking Strategically: The ability to anticipate trends, understand context, and align actions with long-term priorities.
• Using Data: The ability to collect, analyze, and use data to generate insights and inform decisions.
• Three years of social services experience; OR
• Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR
• A bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Collaborate with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals.
• Conduct interviews with individuals to gather information for SSI/SSDI applications.
• Prepare 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 applications.
• Provide and coordinate case management services with partners to support individuals.
• Meet the target population where and when needed.
• Travel for client meetings, training, collaboration with stakeholders, and off-site coordination with personnel/management.
• Assist the team with administrative tasks as needed.
• Participate in the annual Point in Time Count.
• Cross-train in other job duties (such as SOAR Outreach Worker) to provide backup support to co-workers.
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures.

Appointment Type: Temporary Job Appointment. This position may be filled by a temporary job appointment not to exceed 48 months.

Location: This vacancy is located at the Central Louisiana Human Services District. This announcement serves to fill vacancies in our Caring Choices Clinic in Alexandria / Jonesville.

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Social Service Counselor 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of…