SOAR Specialist

Job Title: SOAR Specialist

Reports to: SOAR Program Manager

Status: Non-Exempt

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 intake and referral process. This individual will assist with following up on all referrals, obtain pertinent additional information, or perform 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 an 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.

• 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 guidelines of the Heading Home Employee Handbook.

Qualifications:

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

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the 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 skills 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:

• Minimum high school diploma or GED is required.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or certification as a Peer Specialist is preferred.

• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness.

• Lived experience of homelessness or mental illness.

• Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Listings of Impairments.

• Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using the same.

• Minimum one year of experience providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, includes working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments.

Other Requirements:

• Frequent travel by foot, car, or other means appropriate to making contact with the population.

• Must be able to adjust to the environment of the target population including making visits to encampments, shelters, and personal living environments when needed.

• Sitting for extended periods of time.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices and objects.

• Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.

• Travel for the purpose of meeting with clients, training.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, ramps and uneven terrain.

• Must become CPR/First Aid trained within 90 days of hire.

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This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. This document is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.