SOAR Benefits Specialist

Job Title: SOAR Benefits Specialist

Location: Independence, MO

Department: Adult Community Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:
Join our compassionate team where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults affected by homelessness and co-occurring disorders. As a SOAR Benefits Specialist, you’ll utilize the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) model to help individuals navigate the complexities of SSI/SSDI applications and access other necessary entitlement benefits. We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about helping others achieve their goals.

In this role, you will assist individuals in completing crucial applications, gather necessary documentation, and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. Your work will contribute significantly to our mission of providing comprehensive support and empowering those in need.

This position offers…

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• Workplace Culture – An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
• Additional Perks & Benefits – Scroll down to the bottom of this post to learn more

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete SSI/SSDI applications according to established policies and procedures of the program
• Link persons served to SSA and coordinate information and needed documents between SSA and DDS (Social Security Administration & Disability Determination Services)
• Deliver and conduct electronic transfer of all needed application forms to SSA
• Collect existing medical evidence, including outside treating sources
• Complete assessments and write medical summary reports for all persons served as assigned or identified
• Coordinate and communicate with primary Integrated Health Coach and Team
• Collaborate with representative payee services as needed
• Conduct ongoing follow-up with SSA and DDS as needed
• Collect data for SOAR outcomes, including monthly approvals and year-end SOAR approval data
• Track SOAR applications according to grant requirements
• Refer persons served who are not eligible for benefits advocacy services to partnering programs
• Identify information and collect documentation necessary for filing of benefits applications, including required consent and authorization forms
• Document all contacts with persons served and chart progress
• Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by the supervisor
• Complete annual training requirements as outlined by agency requirements and supervisor
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Able to become a certified SOAR (SSI, SSDI, Access and Recovery) service provider
• Experience working in the behavioral health field preferred

Additional Qualifications:

• Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment
• All training requirements including Relias at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance

Physical Requirements:

• ADA Consideration - Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (exists 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Repetitive movements of hands, fingers, and arms for typing and/or writing during the work shift.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.