POSITION TITLE: Case Manager/SOAR Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Bridge Shelters

REPORTS TO: Supervising Case Manager

FLSA: Full-time, Non-Exempt

BENEFITS: Alpha Project offers a generous benefits package, including 14 paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision premium, and group life insurance.

PAY RANGE: $24-$28 an hour, commensurate with experience

Training: Administratively strong case managers are encouraged to apply. On-the-job training acceptable for the SOAR Component; visit https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/. Training is estimated at 20 hours and must be completed in the first two weeks.

POSITION SUMMARY

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits. The SOAR/Benefits Specialist is responsible for creating a positive and empathic environment while providing eligible residents assistance accessing SSI/SSDI. The SOAR/Benefits Specialist works with the assigned CM/HS to develop individualized case plans that promote client progression towards securing housing, obtaining medical insurance,
increasing income, and other needs to be self-sufficient and ultimately secure and maintain housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.
• 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.
• Performs intake interviews, assessments and refers clients to appropriate community resources, as needed.
• Work with residents/clients to identify and overcome barriers to securing housing and increasing income.
• Assist clients with obtaining and completing necessary documents to access housing, benefits, or increasing income.
• Provide encouragement and direction to residents/clients.
• Maintains prompt documentation using HMIS, following agency and best standard practices.
• Assesses the client's needs, and arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for a variety of services to meet those complex needs, including:
• Assists clients in identifying, enrolling, and attending appropriate medical, substance abuse, and therapeutic services.
• Connect clients with partner agencies and services.
• Assess clients for employment, social security, and disability eligibility.
• Assist clients in benefits enrollment.
• Assist in coordinating transportation for clients for necessary appointments.

• Maintains a productive case management relationship with residents.
• Meets with clients at least weekly to review, evaluate and support individualized housing, financial, and self-sufficiency action plans.
• Addresses unanticipated client/resident needs/issues as they arise.
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that reviews client cases and develops action plans that meet the individual needs of each client.
• Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to organization standards and all applicable
Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with all team members.
• Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.
• Perform other duties as directed by Director/Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Education

• Experience as a case manager, employment case manager, or social worker; or any equivalent combination of education, training, preferred.
• Two (2) years of prior experience working with homeless populations, required.
• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, preferred.
• SOAR training and experience, preferred.

Other

• Familiarity with the Social Security Administration's Listings of Impairments, preferred.
• Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology, preferred.
• Good writing skills and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy are required.
• Ability to communicate in person and over the phone, required.
• Firm understanding of Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Word, required.
• Strong verbal communication skills, required.
• The ability to adhere to policies and procedures, required.
• Understanding of confidentiality protocols and protecting personal information, required.
• Ability to organize and prioritize projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, required.
• Effectively problem-solve and maintain composure in high-pressure situations, required.
• Act as a liaison with partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal daily supervision, required.
• Knowledge of the utilized practices and principles is preferred, including Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care,
Conflict Resolution, Motivational Interviewing, Low Barrier Operations, and Prevention and Diversion.
• Experience with principles and practices of data collection and report preparation, HMIS experience, preferred.
• The employee may lift and move up to 25 pounds, and standing and walking are routine elements of the position.

Alpha Project for the Homeless provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.