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.