POSITION TITLE: SOAR Specialist

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Homeless Services

POSITION SUPERVISED: N/A

POSITION OVERVIEW: The SOAR Specialist is responsible for assessing client eligibility for SOAR services, collecting, and summarizing disability documentation, and submitting final applications on behalf of clients. The SOAR Specialist will collaborate with the client’s current and former providers to obtain necessary supporting documentation, assist with filing for supplemental security income (SSI) and social security disability income (SSDI), and/or assist in the benefits appeal process. The SOAR Specialist must be able to work in the community and engage individuals experiencing housing insecurities. Complete SOAR certification and maintain per SAMHSA guidelines.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Documents services provided to SOAR participants by entering at minimum one note per month per client.
2. Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals.
3. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of service provision. Documentation is expected to be completed within 24 hours of the service date. Submit required progress notes / billing information in a timely manner as per contract guidelines.
4. Complete interviews with individuals to gather information necessary for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSDI) applications and appeals. Gather medical records and other supplemental information to complete SSI/SSDI applications within 90 days of accepting referral.
5. Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
6. Maintain agency data in OATs (Online Application Tracking Program) and submit monthly tracking report to manager. Collaboration with and data management in coordinated information systems.
7. Monitor status of client and progress of ongoing services at minimum once / month per client, including waitlisted clients, to evaluate effectiveness of services, provide level of personal and other supports consistent with client status, and provide revision as necessary. Notify team of changes in client status and document in progress notes.
8. Maintain a rolling caseload average not to exceed 30 clients.
9. Expected to process approximately 2-3 benefits applications per month.
10. New referrals are expected to be processed from the waitlist within 7 business days.
11. Exercise patience, understanding and concern for each client’s health, safety, development and enjoyment of life.
12. Assists consumers to access/maintain all available entitlements including SSI, SSDI, food stamps, medical cards, and others.
13. Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration and/or coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for application.
14. Assist clients as needed with crisis situations, anger management, landlord/tenant dispute resolution and development of crisis WRAP plans to address symptom management and skill building for conflict resolution.
15. Assist client with budget development, budget management and education on the benefits of a budget.
16. The SOAR Specialist will be required to attend any training/certifications as required by the state.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Maintains acceptable overall attendance record, to include agency meetings and training as required. Attend and participate in all individual, group and field supervisions established by the program. Ensures appropriate notification to supervisor for absences and ensures that work is covered. Flexibility in work schedule when needed.
2. Meets deadlines and ensures accuracy of various reports / paperwork, mileage sheets, and electronic timesheets.
3. Exhibits appropriate level of technical knowledge for the position. Employees must read their emails and respond to messages daily as the Association frequently provides pertinent and important information to employees.
4. Produces quantity of work necessary to meet job requirements.
5. Works well with a team, keeps others informed of information needed. Treats others with dignity and respect, maintaining a spirit of cooperation. Residents should be treated with warmth and friendliness to decrease alienation and despair, increasing their changes of obtaining the services they need.
6. Maintain professional verbal and written interactions with peers, participants, supervisors and other staff, which also includes effective listening skills. Use diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult situations or people. Provide strong customer service skills, so that residents will have the best experience possible while in the residential setting, increasing their chances of success while in the program and successfully transition into the community.
7. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to handle new assignments, changes in procedures and business requirements. Identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.
8. Completes assigned work, meets deadlines without reminders/follow-up from supervisor or others.
9. Performs work conscientiously with a high degree of accuracy.
10. Ensure safe transportation of residents in the community as needed, using agency provided vehicle or personal vehicle.
11. Collaboration with partnering agencies and CIT Teams for mobile response and stabilization services.
12. Meets goals and objectives as mutually agreed upon during last performance review (if applicable).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The SOAR Specialist is expected to have a bachelor’s degree in a human service field or four years of equivalent education and/or experience working in the human services field. Computer literacy required. SOAR Specialist will be familiar working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have 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; knowledge of SOAR techniques used to expedite the SSI/SSDI claims. A valid Kansas driver’s license and access to personal vehicle required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Driving (for purposes of community mobility)

* Typing/data entry, writing

* Lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds

* Bending/Stooping/Climbing stairs

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. 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 a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

EEO race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.