About the position
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability income benefits. The SOAR Benefits Specialist must be able to work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, including outdoors and in emergency shelters. The SOAR Specialist acts as a primary contact and liaison between clients applying for disability benefits and the Social Security Administration to ensure a quality and complete application to increase the likelihood of an approval for income benefits. Other populations may be assigned as secondary purposes when needed.
Responsibilities
- Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
- Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
- Complete Social Security application documents within the timeframes indicated by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application.
- Coordinate additional services with partners to help provide care coordination services to individuals when needed.
- Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through community meetings and outreach.
- Carry a caseload of at least 10 clients applying for benefits, submitting at least 2-3 applications monthly.
- Rotate office space within identified Orange County Community Centers throughout Orange County.
Requirements
- Complete and pass the SOAR online course and pass the certification process to provide SOAR-assisted services within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to read and interpret medical records and documents to assist in the application process.
- Knowledge of various physical, mental, and developmental disabilities that might qualify an individual for benefits under SSDI or SSI.
Nice-to-haves
- Collaborating with medical professionals to obtain necessary medical evidence to support the disability claim.
- Ability to clearly explain the disability benefits process to applicants, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
- Familiarity with additional resources that can assist applicants, such as legal services, healthcare resources, and mental health support.
- Understanding the diverse backgrounds of individuals applying for benefits and how different cultural perspectives may affect the application process or the experience of disability.
