SOAR Benefits Specialist

Our Mission is to empower people on their journey to recovery, helping them achieve their goals, rediscover meaning and purpose in life, and reconnect with themselves and their communities. Our Vision is to revolutionize healthcare by pioneering innovative solutions that go beyond behavioral health, empowering people to thrive in the communities where they live, work, and play.

About the role

The SOAR Benefits Specialist supports individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with serious mental illness, medical impairments, and/or co-occurring substance use disorders in applying for Social Security disability benefits. Utilizing the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model, this role involves engaging with community partners, conducting interviews, gathering documentation, and writing medical summary reports to ensure complete and accurate disability applications. The SOAR Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in removing barriers to income and benefits, helping individuals access the resources needed for stability and recovery.

Responsibilities

• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals.
• Complete interviews with individuals to gather personal, medical, and vocational history needed for SSI/SSDI applications.
• Coordinate case management services with partner agencies and provide direct case management support to individuals as needed.
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to support the individual’s access to care and ensure necessary evaluations are completed.
• Assist the team with administrative tasks to support client engagement and overall service coordination.
• Gather and review medical records and other supporting documents to ensure completeness and compliance with SSI/SSDI application requirements.
• Write accurate and detailed SOAR Medical Summary Reports to support disability claims in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Ensure all documentation and communication related to applications meet privacy, security, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor application processes for timeliness, accuracy, and alignment with internal procedures and external compliance requirements.
• Understand and adhere to Recovery Innovations compliance standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policies.
• Keep abreast of all federal and state regulations and laws and all Recovery Innovations policies and procedures as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university.
• State professional certification where applicable.
• Minimum of two (2) – three (3) years of behavioral health experience required working in a crisis environment and/or assisting underserved populations with medical registration.
• Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic Health Record systems, and any other industry specific software systems.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Effective listening skills.
• Must be able to pass de-escalation training, as defined by state requirements.
• If driving is required for this position, must meet all requirements outlined in Recovery Innovations’ driving policy. If not qualified to drive per driving policy, a Non-Driver Attestation form must be signed.
• Travel required based on business need.
• Must be at least 18 years old unless residing in a state where funder or government regulations set a different minimum age requirement.
• Successful completion and meeting all requirements of the comprehensive credentialing process.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality (HIPAA guidelines and regulations) and professionalism.
• Must be able to pass a seven-year background check.
• Must be able to pass substance abuse testing and/or tuberculous testing (if applicable).
• Must be able to pass education verification check.
• Must be able to obtain designated fingerprinting clearance in applicable states.
• Must be able to pass three-year motor vehicle report and meet minimum eligibility requirements criteria of insurance carrier (if driving is required for this position).
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with a challenging population and in non-traditional work conditions.
• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness.
• Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Listings of Impairments.
• Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using same.
• Experience with providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, includes working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments.
• A Direct Service Competency Checklist must be completed as part of the new hire onboarding process.

Physical Demands

• May include work close to the eyes and substantial motions of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, handling, finger dexterity; eye-hand-foot coordination, use of corrected vision; color vision; use of auditory senses.
• May be required to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.

Work Environment

• May work in an office environment or behavioral health facility.
• May have contact with individuals who are agitated and/or confused.
• Work may include travel throughout the geographic region.

Pay

$21.00 - $24.00/hour

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Access to mental health resources and wellness programs.
• Strong retirement plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and training.