Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist

Healthcare For the Homeless Inc•Baltimore, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist submits SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access & Recovery) model for severely, chronically mentally ill individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City. The Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist will work together with a multidisciplinary and multiagency team to identify, assess, engage and assist individuals experiencing homelessness through the federal disability application process. Outreach efforts focus on clients with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders who are living on the streets and in shelters in Baltimore City.

Requirements

BA or BS degree required
Knowledge and experience of federal disability (SSI/SSDI) application process required
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly compelling and comprehensive written communication skills
Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to engage clients and promote positive relationships with other community agencies and providers
Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with disadvantaged and underserved populations
Fluency in Excel and Electronic Medical Record systems
Able to work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and sometimes hostile individuals
Able to cope with interruptions, be flexible, and be a team player
Able to provide outreach services via walking, car, or mass transit

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field preferred
Experience working in a health care setting preferred
Experience working with underserved populations, including homeless individuals, preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach and engage clients through a patient-centered approach.
Use problem solving skills and collaboration with other providers to determine how to engage difficult to engage clients.
As appropriate, work with community providers to assist individuals in connecting to comprehensive case management, health, housing, and other supportive services.
Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies and local health organizations to encourage referrals and screenings in order to help achieve rapid disability assistance determinations for eligible persons experiencing homelessness.
Provide technical assistance in-house and with partnering agencies regarding the SSI/SSDI application process.
Work with Baltimore City SOAR Lead and Maryland State SOAR Lead in problem-solving around efforts to engage and connect with providers and clients throughout Baltimore City.
Track and report information on interventions, encounters and the progress of applications.
Complete record keeping in a timely and effective manner.
Provide well-written and concise medical summary reports for clients engaged in SOAR services, including a thorough overview of symptoms and functional impairments.
Submit reports in a timely manner to the Disability Determination Services (DDS).