S.O.A.R. Specialist in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at Broward Partnership for the Homeless Inc

I. JOB SUMMARY:

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at-risk for homelessness who have mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder or other medical impairments apply for Social Security disability benefits. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist clients in the application process for SSI/SSDI using the SOAR process. The SOAR Specialist is responsible for assessing clients’ eligibility for SOAR services, collecting, and summarizing disability documentation, and submitting final applications on behalf of clients. The SOAR Specialist is a source of support and will implement best practices which dramatically expedite the SSI/SSDI application process and reduce the disability determination period for clients.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Establishes and maintains effective rapport with clients.

2. Screens clients for potential eligibility for disability benefits.

3. Initiates SOAR applications with clients by filing documentation with SSA Office.

4. Completes interviews with clients to gather information to support the SSI/SSDI applications.

5. Gathers medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications. Writes SOAR medical summary reports for clients’ applications.

6. Coordinates and/or accompanies clients to appointments at the Social Security Administration, medical doctors, psychiatrist, and other specialists to obtain medical documentation for applications.

7. Interfaces with outside agencies as appropriate and necessary for obtaining documentation necessary for clients’ applications.

8. Works in partnership with the SSI/SSDI office regarding all aspects of the clients’ application process. Assists clients with appeals if applications are denied.

9. Researches, prepares reports and negotiates with the office of Social Security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.

10. Submits court documents and attends court hearings to advocate for clients throughout the SOAR application process.

11. Effectively manages a caseload of 8-10 clients and ensure that a maximum of high-quality SOAR applications are submitted on an annual basis.

12. Documents all activities, client progress, and backup documentation in the electronic health records system, following the Agency’s documentation standards and specified timeframes.

13. Transfers and/or terminates client cases in a professional manner.

14. Participates in staff meetings and attends trainings as assigned.

15. Participates in SOAR Processors affinity group hosted by the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and provides updates to the Program Services team as appropriate.

16. Adheres to Agency policies, procedures, professional/ethical standards and legal requirements regarding the SOAR process.

17. Generates specific activity reports in a timely manner and participates in the collection of outcome data as directed by supervisory staff.

18. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees will be responsible for fulfilling any other job-related instructions given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

I. QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, with at least two to three years of related experience and/or working in the field of homelessness, with individuals who have mental illness and/or are dually diagnosed. Years of experience may substitute for formal education. SOAR certification required and bilingual preferred. Superior organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proficient use of computer software, excellent time management, the ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate conflict and crisis situations; the ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of external stakeholders. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and safe driving record.