Soar Specialist

SCOPE:

Along with HRC2 team, identify and complete SOAR applications to increase benefits and income for homeless individuals; assist Housing Advocate Case Managers as needed; and contribute to the mission of Goodwill by providing a safe environment for formerly homeless individuals and families, guided by limits of established standards and accepted practice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Work with the referrals from HRC2 to identify individuals through team meetings and Navigation
2. Initiate paperwork with consumers as referred to program by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office
3. Complete interviews with consumers to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
4. Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
5. Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for consumer applications
6. Accompany consumers to appointments at the Social Security Administration
7. Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case
8. Follow-up on all applications submitted to SSA and see the application through approval or denial.  If denied, determine denial reason and re-apply as appropriate.
9. Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management services to consumers when needed
10. Assist the team with administrative tasks as needed

OTHER DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Demonstrate by words and actions a commitment to the Goodwill mission to help people experiencing homelessness and other barriers to become self-sufficient, working members of the community.
2. Perform or assist with any duties or operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements.
3. Maintain safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules, keeping work area in a clean and orderly condition.
4. Participate in any variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, and policies.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience
2. Must be SOAR certified or have the ability to obtain certification
3. Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness
4. Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
5. Computer experience, including troubleshooting, problem solving and
   proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel) and database management
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
7. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines
8. Experience engaging with a diverse population and ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations
9. Possess an interest in social justice and have experience doing advocacy work for underserved populations
10. Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Blue Book listings
11. Good writing skills and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity
12. Cursory Knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using same
13. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with a challenging population and in non-traditional work conditions
14. Experience with providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, includes working with clients, developing trust and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments
15. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license, valid insurance, reliable transportation for travel to outlying locations and the ability to be insured under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.