SOAR Outreach Benefits Specialist

WAYNE-METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY•River Rouge, MI

1d•$22 - $24

About The Position

The SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach Access, and Recovery) Outreach Benefits Specialist provides direct outreach services in a team environment, increasing access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible children and adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, an/or co-occurring substance use disorder. Approximately 50% of time will be spent in the community, directly providing services to unsheltered persons in Out-Wayne County. While much of the work is independent and self-directed, there is also a strong team dynamic. Working hours will be scheduled between 7 AM - 7 PM, Monday through Friday. Successful candidates are committed to ending homelessness and have a fundamental belief that hope and recovery are always possible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; OR a combination of education and experience that is similarly equivalent.
A minimum of four years of experience in a related field.
Knowledge of Wayne County demographics, the needs of the homeless and those at-risk of homelessness in Wayne County and services available to meet those needs.
Ability to collect and evaluate data regarding service needs, present services, and service gaps; and through such an evaluation, develop means through which to address those service gaps.
Possess strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills to ensure that supportive services are delivered to eligible clients through engagement, education, and systems development.
Deep commitment to ending homelessness, while operating from a Housing First, person-centered approach as well as an understanding and ability to apply an equity lens to the work.
Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
Ability to work remotely as needed.
Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).
Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.
Valid identification and reliable transportation.
Ability to travel to various sites.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Michigan Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of Coordinated Entry System performance measures; including those specific to Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and Wayne Metro internal measures.
Address programmatic needs and encourage optimal provision of services for persons experiencing homelessness.
Adhere to program, Continuum of Care (CoC) and State of Michigan HMIS policies, practices and procedures.
With guidance from supervisor, create, troubleshoot, and revise as needed processes and procedures.
Conduct client phone screenings and intakes as needed, collecting required documentation, assessing acuity and prioritizing need for services.
Work closely with Agency staff to share information regarding services available for the homeless, the means through which to access those services, and contacts which may be helpful in efforts to ensure clients are well served.
Provide day-to-day support to current SHHS Specialists and provide new hire training as needed.
Input data into SOAR’s OAT Online Application Tracking database for the purpose of tracking and reporting outcomes.
Maintain timely and accurate data and program records.
Assist Coordinated Entry management with strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, other Coordinated Entry Systems, and surrounding CoCs.
Serve as an advocate for members of the community experiencing housing instability.
Conduct outreach to engage individuals in need of services and identify potential SOAR candidates.
Work with a core group of individuals consistently over time in order to create a plan to meet their needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services.
Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation and a consistent presence.
Assist individuals applying for disability benefits using the SOAR components.
Initiate paperwork with consumers by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office.
Complete interviews with consumers to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI Applications.
Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for consumer applications.
Accompany consumers to appointments at the Social Security Administration and maintain communication with Social Security Administration (SSA) and the MI Disability Determination Division (DDD) regarding cases.
Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case.
Provide case management assistance and coordinate complex needs of multiple individuals within a larger continuum of care.
Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services.
Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff, and a willingness to work with others.
Perform work in a professional manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.
Maintain a strong person-centered and trauma-informed approach in all interactions with clients and staff.
Other duties as assigned.