SOAR Benefits Specialist

Kenneth Young Center•Arlington Heights, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The goal of the SOAR Benefits Specialist is to increase access to income and benefits to persons with no income or low income. SOAR specialists provide targeted services to adults transitioning out of nursing facilities through the Colbert/Williams transition program, as well as adults diverting from nursing facility placement with Front Door program. SOAR specialist will assist individuals that have serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Assist in applying, obtaining medical documentation, and coordinating with Social Security staff. SOAR is a certified process and stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery.

Requirements

BA/BS in Social Work or closely related discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning
Valid Illinois driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to reliable vehicle
Basic technology, smartphone, and computer proficiency; knowledge of web-based team communication tools (ex. Microsoft Teams), electronic health records, telehealth programs, and internet skills
Employee must successfully complete SAMHSA’s online SOAR training within 45 days of being hired

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience working with adults with serious mental illness and/or adults with other complex physical health and mobility needs
Preferred experience with review of medical records pertaining to medical conditions and impact on life functioning

Responsibilities

Complete SSDI/SSI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) training within 45 days of hire and maintain knowledge of best practices.
Conduct basic evaluation of client's eligibility for Entitlements.
Maintain a caseload of clients that includes persons actively applying for benefits, going thru appeal, and monitoring the case for persons who have previously applied.
Gather medical history from clients and submit record request to facilitate benefits application.
Complete SSI/SSDI benefit applications per SOAR process and enter into SOAR system to track applications.
Facilitate the transfer of SSDI/SSI benefits and entitlements starting prior to transition and within 5 days of transition into the community.
Explain representative payee services and assist client to transfer benefits to a new payee, as needed.
Accompany clients to attend appointments and hearings with Social Security
Assess client eligibility and complete applications with clients for pharmaceutical assistance programs, housing assistance programs, LINK/food stamps, Medicaid, and other available benefits, when appropriate.
Assist clients with Medicaid Spenddown Requirements and facilitate completion of all necessary paperwork and supporting activities to establish the spenddown deductible prior to the Class Member moving from the NF/SMHRF/IMD.
Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures.
Meet or exceed productivity target of approximately 50% direct service.
Remain compliant with internal reporting and documentation requirements as set by Kenneth Young Center and State Funder.
Participate in a Statewide learning collaborative to share ideas and successful strategies with other SOAR providers.
Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures and meet agency quality and compliance standards
Submit, in a timely and accurate fashion, schedules timesheets, mileage and other reports required by the Center’s policies and procedures

Benefits

403(b) plan with organizational matching
Medical Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois - BCBS)
Dental (BCBS), and Vision Insurance (BCBS) with low employee premiums
Long Term and Short Term Disability (BCBS), no cost to employee
Flexible Spending Account (with annual rollover)
Basic life insurance (50k) paid for by the organization and option for additional voluntary coverage for self, spouse, or dependents (BCBS)
Incentive program with potential for quarterly bonuses
Opportunity for annual bonus and salary increase (discretionary based on annual KYC financial audit)
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
4 weeks of Paid Time Off (With increases based on seniority)
8 Paid Organization-Wide Holidays
3 Personal Floating Holidays annually