Disability Application Specialist

Central Health•Austin, TX

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Disability Application Specialist receives and manages referrals for Medical Access Program (MAP/MAP Basic) members who may qualify for Social Security benefits. The specialist supports people experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness who are applying for federal disability benefits using the SOAR model, as well as housed and/or terminal members. The role includes reviewing medical records, gathering information directly from members, and evaluating potentially appropriate resources and programs. The specialist meets members in settings such as homes, shelters, nursing homes, and hospitals, and travels to the Social Security Administration as needed. The role advocates for members and ensures benefit applications are complete and accurate, working collaboratively with medical providers, behavioral health specialists, case management teams, and the Social Security Administration. The specialist may also support MAP/MAP Basic renewals, address other urgent needs, and make referrals to resources. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement and seeks candidates local to the area or able to commute to the office as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least one year of paid or internship experience supporting individuals with applications for local, state, or federal benefits and/or community resources.
SOAR certification within three months.
Experience and knowledge of public benefit applications and eligibility criteria.
Working knowledge of community agencies and resources.
Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
Ability to contribute to a positive team environment conducive to the patient experience.
Ability to organize workflow and use time efficiently.
Ability to manage detail and shift between competing priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite programs effectively.
Knowledge of Travis County housing resources.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of 25–45 clients pursuing federal disability benefits and support them throughout the application process.
Provide direct support and case management to medically complex patients seeking federal and local benefits, including MAP/MAP Basic renewal support while they apply for Social Security benefits.
Coordinate with internal referral sources and external community partners to identify and refer MAP/MAP Basic members who may be eligible for SSI Medicaid.
Interview clients and gather information needed to complete SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model, as needed.
Obtain medical records and other required information, and write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for applications using the SOAR model.
Coordinate appointments with medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence supporting federal benefit applications.
Coordinate with members of clients’ healthcare teams to support overall well-being, address social and environmental issues, and promote emotional, social, and physical well-being and appropriate use of healthcare resources.
Attend agency staff meetings, trainings, functions, and activities as appropriate.
Participate in group work to maintain a professional work environment, staff cases, address program needs, and review community resources.
Determine health coverage and assist members with enrolling in appropriate healthcare coverage.
Complete documentation in a timely manner.
Provide outreach as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.