SOAR Benefits Specialist

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA SOUTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA•Lake Charles, LA

About The Position

Summary: The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) initiative is to assist individuals living with serious mental illness who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the SSI application process, medical records collection, and collaboration with the Social Security Administration, to ensure high percentage eligibility rate. The specialist also coordinates documentation, medical evidence, and case management to improve approval rates. Position Type: Full Time or Part Time, Non-Exempt

Requirements

This position requires that an individual have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
The individual must possess a Louisiana driver’s license and have access to an insured automobile.
Strong documentation and advocacy skills and the ability to work with agencies and maintain confidential records.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Social Security process preferred but not required.
Experience working with adults with mental illness is desirable.

Responsibilities

Successfully complete and pass the coursework required to obtain designation as an Authorized SOAR Benefits Specialist by the Office of Behavioral Health and maintain annual renewal requirements thereafter.
Work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness in all five ImCal parishes
Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals.
File initial documentation of representation with Social Security Administration
Complete interviews with individuals to gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application.
Accompany individuals to appointments at the SSA Office.
Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management services to individuals when needed.
Assist consumers in obtaining identification documents, connecting participants with additional mainstream benefits and agencies that offer additional resources.
Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
Maintain an organized record for each individual with whom contact is made that documents each contact with the individual, contacts made on behalf of the individual, and any disclosures of the individual’s PII or PHI.
Attend OBH’s monthly SOAR Community Meeting and Regional SOAR Benefits Specialists meetings.