SOAR Specialist

Westhab Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced SOAR Specialist to join our team. As a SOAR Specialist, you will play a critical role in helping individuals experiencing homelessness who have serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits.

The SOAR Specialist will work in the community, meeting individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, including non-traditional settings. 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. The ideal candidate will have evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas, such as mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.

• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals.
• Conduct and complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
• Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration office.
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application.
• Build and maintain a good rapport with consumers through engagement and good communication skills.
• Act as a liaison and advocate between consumers and a variety of organizations and services.
• Maintain all required documentation and required reports on each consumer served to ensure coordinated consumer services and to document program effectiveness.

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in social work or related field preferred, with at least two years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience with providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings.
• Strong computer, presentation, written, and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with a challenging population and in non-traditional work conditions.
• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.
• Familiarity with Social Security Administration's Listings of Impairments.
• Knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using such terminology.

The SOAR Specialist will work in a fast-paced environment, frequently traveling by foot, car, or other means to make contact with the target population. The ideal candidate will be able to adjust to the environment of the target population and work in non-traditional settings.

Westhab Inc. offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.