Disability Service Navigator

Pottawattamie County•Western Iowa Region, IA

About The Position

This Disability Services Navigator is being hired as the dedicated SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) worker in the District 1 Disability Access Point which is located in and around the SIOUX CITY area. Individuals with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders and experiencing or at risk of homelessness will be the priority for this DSN who assists with the application process for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The purpose of the position is to utilize the Science of Hope and person-centered planning to perform the work of a disability services navigator who provides one or more of the following: HCBS System Navigation, Information and Assistance, Options Counseling, Service Coordination of Long Term Services and Supports.

Requirements

Proficient in applying professional-level knowledge of federal and state assistance programs that support individuals with disabilities.
Flexible and adaptable, able to shift efficiently between diverse tasks without compromising effectiveness or composure.
Demonstrates strong computer literacy and comfort with relevant technology.
Skilled in critical thinking and problem solving, with a proven ability to assess situations and identify appropriate solutions.
Capable of working independently or collaboratively within a team setting.
Possesses the ability to negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts between opposing parties.
A bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in a human services field (including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing, education, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy) and at least one year of experience in the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities.
A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and adequate liability insurance.

Responsibilities

Process requests for services by conducting intakes, completing applications, obtaining required eligibility documents, obtaining, or completing necessary assessments, social histories, and other necessary documentation for the determination of program eligibility.
Provide information regarding service options.
Draft requests for funding and monitor on-going funding needs and service authorizations.
Determine initial and continuing client eligibility, maintain records for accountability, and make appropriate closed loop referrals so that assistance is provided according to program policies and procedures and clients are aware of the broadest array of services available to them.
Assist clients in receiving services which have been identified in the planning process that maximize their ability for self-determination.
Assist in accessing resources or other local, state, or federal benefits identified for the client, family members, and/or providers.
Assist clients in completing paperwork.
Complete all required documentation in individual case files in the required timeframes.
Coordinate, implement, and monitor the Individual Service Plan for designated individuals.
Initiate the transfer of an individual to other services or terminate services when the client determines the current services are no longer required or desired.
Advocate for the client and facilitate the Interdisciplinary Team, as directed, in the development of the Individual Service Plan for clients.
Provide Information and Assistance.
Provide Options Counseling
Provide HCBS Systems Navigation
Participate in Medicaid Administrative Claiming including total time tracking
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, county, regional, and state employees, law enforcement, the judicial system, Service providers, and the public.
Participate in agency, provider, and state-wide committee meetings, as assigned, provide training on department related topics, and attend work-related meetings, conferences, educational and training opportunities, and seminars.