SOAR Benefits Specialist

•Must pass background check and drug screening

•Valid driver’s license

•Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

•Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all interactions with clients and staff

• Provide SOAR services to eligible individuals in the community.
• Complete SOAR training and follow SOAR procedures and protocols.  
• Track applications and outcomes, including number of applications completed, approvals/denials, and time to decision from application submission to receipt of SSA’s decision. 
• Maintain accurate records of applications and outcomes. 
• Create/Utilize appropriate tracking tools (spreadsheets, databases, etc) agreed upon by NEDHSA. 
• Enter participant’s information accurately.
• Provide the necessary equipment and supplies available to carry out activities/duties. 

Contractor shall perform the following operations: 

• Maintain flexible schedule to meet the identified need of the community (days and hours of duties can vary). This schedule will be agreed upon by NEDHSA Administrative staff. 
• Complete SSI and SSDI applications for eligible individuals via the Social Security website, type documents, send emails, scan, fax, and use online search functions. 
• Conduct outreach in the community up to fifty percent (50%) of the work time. Outreach entails the extension of services, resources, or information to communities who may encounter difficulties in accessing them. Furthermore, it involves the cultivation of relationships and partnerships to enhance outcomes through initiatives such as workshops, campaigns, or the provision of essential services to underserved populations.
• Maintain the community outreach log and other documents as applicable and/or required.
• Submit monthly invoice for payment by the 5^thof each month. The invoice should be completed with necessary supporting documentation attached.
• Review invoices and timesheets.
• Request and verify supporting documentation, if needed. 
• Confirm training completion. 
• Review tracking document for accuracy and completion. 

Contractor agrees to:

• Work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, including encampments, under bridges, and in abandoned houses/buildings. 
• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach and referrals. 
• File documentation of representation with SSA office.
• Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications. 
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications. 
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications. 
• Accompany individuals to Social Security Administration appointments. 
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrist, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application. 
• Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management services to individuals when needed. 
• Assist the team with administrative task as needed. 
• Assist consumers in obtaining identification documents, connecting participants with additional mainstream benefits and agencies that offer additional services. 
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrist, and other specialists to obtain supporting evidence for case; and case management service with partners to consumers when needed. 
• Maintain database/spreadsheet of each individual screened. 
• Orientation and annual training shall be provided by the contractor to all contract staff. Training should include, but not limited to, professional boundaries, abuse/neglect policy and reporting procedures, crisis, the contract statement of work, the program policies and procedures, cultural competency and multicultural sensitivity, HIPAA, 42CFR Part2, as well as signs and symptoms of severe mental illness and substance intoxication. 
• CONTRACTOR shall ensure that all staff receive and sign a copy of NEDHSA’s Code of Conduct and NEDHSA’s Disclosure of Outside Employment. A copy shall remain on site and original sent to NEDHSA’s contract monitor. 
• CONTRACTOR maintains a data collection system for outcomes evaluation purposes. Contractor shall maintain a policy and procedure manual in order to ensure standardization of work; set clear expectations for staff and volunteers; protect consumer rights; and outline ethical standards for the service. Records must be double-locked. 
• Complete screenings on individuals during street outreach.
• Enter accurate data into database/spreadsheet.
• Maintain copies of required and supporting documentation.
• Provide required training. 
• Maintain client records safe and stored double locked. 
• Review data tracking spreadsheet/database.
• Review copies of required documentation.
• Request supporting documentation, if needed. 
• Review case manager trainings.
• Review client records.

CONTRACTOR will participate in the SOAR audit process with Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) and NEDHSA. 

CONTRACTOR is responsible for following the NEDHSA Critical Incident Reporting Policy and ensuring NEDHSA receives all critical incidents reports in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the policy.

CONTRACTOR is responsible for following the NEDHSA Critical Incident Reporting Policy and ensuring NEDHSA receives all critical incidents reports in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the policy.