POSITION: Disability Outreach & Eligibility Specialist (SOAR Model)

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Hourly/Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $18-$20/hour

LOCATION: Tulsa, OK

ABOUT US

Housing Solutions seeks motivated professionals who want to use their talents and skills to make a difference. As the lead agency in the HUD-funded Tulsa County Continuum of Care, we coordinate and manage over $4 million annually in federal, state, county, and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness.

As an employer, Housing Solutions offers a 401k plan, 15 days of PTO, and 12 paid company holidays per year, including: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples Day, Veteran’s Day, etc. with the added option to “flex” your holiday to an alternate day that you personally celebrate. Housing Solutions pays for 75% of the overall base plan premiums for employee medical plan coverage and also offers employer-paid dental, vision, and base life insurance coverage. We want to empower our employees to prioritize their health and wellbeing, which is why we give our employees a weekly paid wellness hour during the workweek to participate in the wellness activity of their choosing. Come join our motivated team of talented individuals working together to end homelessness.

OVERVIEW

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at-risk for homelessness who have mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder or other medical impairments apply for Social Security disability benefits. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist clients in the application process for SSI/SSDI using the SOAR process. The SOAR Specialist is responsible for assessing clients’ eligibility for SOAR services, collecting and summarizing disability documentation, and submitting final applications on behalf of clients. The SOAR Specialist is a source of support and will implement best practices which dramatically expedite the SSI/SSDI application process and reduce the disability determination period for clients. The SOAR Specialist understands that Housing Solutions operates a Housing First model, and that every client’s experience with homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and maintain effective rapport with persons experiencing homelessness and/or have a history of homelessness.

Screen referrals for potential eligibility for disability benefits and enrollment into SOAR programming.

Complete program intake paperwork required to document eligibility for services, enrollment into HMIS following data entry requirements, and other assessment tools used to report grant and program outcomes.

Initiate paperwork with clients by completing interviews with persons to support SSI/SSDI eligibility, gathering medical records, and filing complete documentation with SSA Office following SOARWorks model and standards.

Maintain confidentiality and follow HIPPA and other requirements needed to guard PII while gathering medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.

Write comprehensive SOAR medical summary reports for client applications.

Coordinate and or accompany clients to appointments at the Social Security Administration, medical doctors, psychiatrist, and other specialists to obtain medical documentation for application.

Interface with outside agencies as appropriate and necessary for specialized services promoting clients’ success.

Work in partnership with the SSI/SSDI office regarding eligibility for clients and assist client with appeals if denied.

Research, prepare reports and negotiate with the office of social security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.

Submit court documents if required and attend court hearings if necessary to advocate for client throughout the SOAR application process.

Complies with documentation timeline and maintains timely and accurate documentation entries in required data systems to reflect professional activity and client progress. Maintains and updates all required documentation in accordance with funder regulations.

Document and maintain up-to-date information in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database and in client files regarding services provided.

Transfer and/or terminate client cases in a professional manner.

Participate in staff meetings and attends trainings as assigned.

Adhere to organization policies, professional/ethical standards and legal requirements regarding the SOAR process.

Generates specific activity reports in a timely manner and participates in the collection of outcome data as directed by supervisory staff.

Use best and promising practices in the provision of direct services including Trauma Informed Care, Assertive Outreach, Housing First, and Motivational Interviewing.

All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees will be responsible to perform any other job-related instructions given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

Exhibits demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Listens with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and points of view; demonstrates tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas, and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.

Is proficient with computers and related technology; must maintain accurate records in a timely manner.

Maintains a non-judgmental attitude and a display of unconditional positive regard, is caring and compassionate.

Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.

Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills.

Has the ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively while maintaining sound judgment.

Adapts well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.

Exercises good judgment and discretion in handling client confidentiality and other confidential matters.

Deep knowledge of local social services and community resources.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Able to work with and be sensitive to the needs of diverse, systemically disadvantaged populations and support Housing Solution’s commitment to building equitable systems of care.

Minimum education requirement: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Eligible to access and obtain certification to HMIS database.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working environment is a combination of office work completing administrative paperwork on behalf of clients and field work – engaging persons in unsheltered and sheltered locations and meeting with clients in community-based settings. It will require significant time working with clients, service providers, and partner agencies outside of the office. Local travel in personal vehicle and/or use of public transportation is needed – staff are reimbursed for mileage if utilizing a personal vehicle.

This is a full-time hourly position working 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Some flexibility for occasional evening and weekend meetings or events is required and will be communicated in advance whenever possible outside of emergency response scheduling.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Most of the activity will be conducted in the community, in encampments, and on the streets; this could also include performing activities in other offices, in libraries, or other community-based settings. This position requires the ability to interact with participants for extended periods of time while being exposed to external weather conditions and requires the ability to navigate uneven terrain within encampment and urban settings.

**DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT **

Housing Solutions is an inclusive employer and does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected classes. We celebrate diversity and strive to reflect the community in which we work, to better serve our clients. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse applicants, including those who have peer-experiences related to the populations that we serve. Housing Solutions is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and commits to taking appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to access employment opportunities and benefit equally from employment related opportunities by providing reasonable accommodation. Should applicants need reasonable arrangements to facilitate their interview and assessment during the recruitment and selection process, please submit your request in your application.