SOAR Benefits Specialist FFC

About Us:
Since 1990, New Reach has been a dedicated leader in providing shelter, housing, stabilization, and support for children, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness in the Greater New Haven and Fairfield County areas. We believe in empowering those affected by homelessness and poverty to achieve lasting independence.

Why Work with Us?
At New Reach, you will be part of a compassionate, innovative, and inclusive team that uses the most progressive approaches to inspire independence. You'll play a key role in a transformative movement to end homelessness and food insecurity through prevention, support, and housing solutions that create long-term stability for those we serve.

*Schedule: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week, including a 30-minute paid lunch (some exceptions apply).

*Comprehensive benefits package:
•Medical, vision, and dental
•401(k) Retirement plan
•Paid Time Off (PTO)
•Paid Sick Time
•(12) Paid Holidays (1) Floating Holiday
•Life Insurance
•Long-Term Disability

Primary Purpose: 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 or housing support services may be assigned as secondary purposes when needed.

Essential Functions:

• Complete and pass the SOAR online course and pass the certification process to provide SOAR assisted services.
• 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.
• Maintain fidelity to the SOAR model when assisting with the completion of Social Security applications.
  • Become a SOAR appointed representative for the client's disability claim
  • Assist with setting protective filing dates
  • Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
  • Obtain a co-signature on the Medical Summary Reports from a qualified provider.
  • Complete SOAR quality reviews prior to submitting complete applications.
• Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Assist with setting protective filing dates.
• 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 with providing care coordination services to individuals when needed.
• Assist the team with administrative tasks as needed.
• Work collaboratively and maintain positive, professional communication with referring agents, case managers, service providers, clients' informal support networks, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Disability Determination Services, and the SOAR Technical Assistance Center.
• Assist the client identifying unaddressed needs related to insurance, non-cash benefits, access to healthcare services, and other financial/ entitlement resources.
• Encourage an array of integrated services, including but not limited to treatment of medical, mental health, and substance use disorders; medication management; and involvement in employment assistance.
• Maintain ongoing client files, including assessments, service, plans, correspondence, and case notes.
• Utilize the statewide HMIS database and the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) system to collect data, document case notes and services, and report outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure successful operations.

Essential Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Human Services or related field, OR 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have a serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorder AND an associate's degree or recovery support specialist certification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including analyzing data and writing accurate reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Superior organizational skills, prioritization skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate strong advocacy skills, creativity, and persistence.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation with proof of insurance.
• Work in agency offices, client homes, non-traditional settings, and community locations from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior training in SOAR.
• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance use, and /or homelessness.
• Experience with medical records, benefits applications, and benefits eligibility determination.
• Bilingual/Bicultural in Spanish, both written and oral.