S.O.A.R. Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes and maintains effective rapport with clients.
• Screens clients for potential eligibility for disability benefits.
• Initiates SOAR applications with clients by filing documentation with SSA Office.
• Completes interviews with clients to gather information to support the SSI/SSDI applications.
• Gathers medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications. Writes SOAR medical summary reports for clients’ applications.
• Captures and coordinates with clients for appointments at the Social Security Administration, medical doctors, psychiatrist, and other specialists to obtain medical documentation for applications.
• Interfaces with outside agencies as appropriate and necessary for obtaining documentation necessary for clients’ applications.
• Works in partnership with the SSI/SSDI office regarding all aspects of the clients’ application process. Assists clients with appeals if applications are denied.
• Researches, prepares reports and negotiates with the office of Social Security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.
• Submits court documents and attends court hearings to advocate for clients throughout the SOAR application process.
• Effectively manages a caseload of 8-10 clients and ensure that a maximum of high-quality SOAR applications are submitted on an annual basis.
• Documents all activities, client progress, and backup documentation in the electronic health records system, following the Agency’s documentation standards and specified timeframes.
• Transfers and/or terminates client cases in a professional manner.
• Participates in staff meetings and attends trainings as assigned.
• Participates in SOAR Processors affinity group hosted by the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and provides updates to the Program Services team as appropriate.
• Adheres to Agency policies, procedures, professional/ethical standards and legal requirements regarding the SOAR process.
• Generates specific activity reports in a timely manner and participates in the collection of outcome data as directed by supervisory staff.

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.