Disability Application Specialist

Central Health; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Health is seeking a Disability Application Specialist to manage referrals for MAP/MAP Basic members applying for federal disability benefits using the SOAR model. You will work in diverse settings, including homes, shelters, and hospitals, with travel to the SSA as needed.

The role emphasizes advocacy, collaboration with healthcare teams, and rapid documentation to support eligibility and renewals, operating in a hybrid work arrangement with local commute as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: High School Diploma.
• At least 1 year experience supporting individuals applying for local, state or federal benefits and/or community resources.
• SOAR Certification within 3 months required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 25–45 clients pursuing federal disability benefits and assist them through the process.
• Provide direct support and case management for medically complex patients obtaining federal and local benefits, including renewals.
• Coordinate with internal referrals and external partners to identify MAP/MAP Basic members eligible for SSI/Medicaid.
• Conduct client interviews to gather information for SSI/SSDI applications and write SOAR Medical Summaries.
• Prepare reports for individual applications when using SOAR.
• Coordinate appointments with doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence.

Skills

Public benefits knowledge

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Time management

Community resources

Education

High School Diploma

SOAR Certification within 3 Months

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

The Disability Application Specialist will receive and manage referrals from both internal and external sources for Medical Access Program (MAP/MAP Basic) members who may be eligible for Social Security benefits. This includes individuals experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness who wish to apply for federal disability benefits utilizing the SOAR model, as well as individuals who are housed and/or terminal.The Disability Application Specialist will review members' medical records, gather information from members directly, and evaluate which resources/programs they may be eligible for. The Disability Application Specialist will see members in their own settings, including homes, shelters, nursing homes, and hospitals. Travel to the Social Security Administration as needed is also required.The essential responsibility of the Disability Application Specialist is to ensure adequacy and accuracy on all benefit applications and to serve as an advocate for members who may not otherwise be able to secure these resources independently. The Disability Application Specialist will work highly collaboratively with medical providers, behavior health specialists, case management teams, and the Social Security Administration. The Disability Application Specialist may also assist members with the renewal of MAP/MAP Basic coverage, other urgent needs, and referrals to various resources as needed. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing a combination of remote work and in-office presence to provide flexibility while maintaining collaboration and productivity. We are seeking candidates who are local to the area or can comfortably commute to the office as needed.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Maintain a caseload of 25-45 clients who are pursuing federal disability benefits and support them throughout the process.
• Provide direct support and case management to medically complex patients in obtaining federal and local benefits, including renewal of MAP/MAP Basic coverage, while in the process of applying for Social Security benefits.
• Coordinate with internal referral sources and external community partners to identify and refer MAP/MAP Basic members potentially eligible for SSI Medicaid.
• Complete interviews with clients to gather information required to complete SSI/SSDI applications utilizing the SOAR model, as needed. Obtain medical records, other required information, and write SOAR Medical Summary
• Reports for individual applications when using the SOAR model.
• Coordinate appointments to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence and support for federal benefit application.
• Coordinate with other members of the client's healthcare team to support the overall well-being of the member, address social and environmental issues with the patient in order to maximize emotional, social and physical well-being and the appropriate use of healthcare resources
• Attend agency staff meetings, trainings, functions and activities when appropriate
• Participate in group work to provide a professional work environment, staff cases, address program needs and review community resources
• Determine health coverage and aid in enrolling in appropriate healthcare coverage
• Complete documentation in a timely manner
• Provide outreach as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience and knowledge of public benefit applications and criteria
• Working knowledge of community agencies and resources
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary team and community partners
• Fully participate in maintaining a positive team environment that is conducive to the patient experience
• Organize workflow and use time efficiently
• Ability to handle detail and continuously shift between competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite programs effectively
• Knowledge of Travis County housing resources

Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School DiplomaMinimum Experience: 1 year of experience (internship or paid) such as supporting individuals with applying for local, state or federal benefits and/or community resources.REQUIRED Licenses and Certifications: SOAR Certification within 3 Months