Social Service Counselor , Or - Soars - Appointment

Social Service Counselor

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Job Duties:

• 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.

Position-Specific Details:
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 experience of the selected applicant. Compensation:
Note regarding the advertised pay range:
The advertised maximum amount listed is the maximum salary a person can make while in this title/level over their career and not the maximum amount we are allowed to pay a new hire. Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How To…